I am not reacting the same way to your memorandum, which tasks National Intelligence with briefing and reporting to you on current intelligence activities that may involve domestic citizenry, as others are. I'm going to assume that this is the first step in the process to fulfill your promise of creating an independent panel that will review all relevant intelligence activities in the wake of Edward Snowden's 'release'....more than one major overhaul has started with an internal review.
James Clapper, however, should not be leading this internal review...nor should he be at the head of National Intelligence. He should be fired. Immediately.
I appreciate, Mr. President, your penchant for making bold moves without being reactive. In my view, we have achieved more progress during your administration than any after FDR. I also value loyalty and allowing exceptional people mistakes occasionally (Joe Biden, anyone?), and appreciate that you do too.
However, your loyalty or lack of reactionary, emotional decision-making has now become a fault, and will continue to be so until James Clapper is no longer employed by the Executive Branch.
The left wing blogosphere/twittersphere is going nuts in reaction to Clapper's response to your memorandum, and while I think they misunderstand normal organizational procedure in these types of situations, they are not wrong in their perception of James Clapper.
At worst, Clapper lied to Congress. At best, he is incompetent in his oversight capabilities and not knowledgeable enough of his responsibilities.
More than enough to terminate his employment with National Intelligence.
Along with his shortcomings as Director, Clapper is a political and PR nightmare for your administration, a nightmare that threatens to spill over and affect the turnout for the midterm elections that have nothing to do with Clapper or you. Several of those on the left of the US political spectrum are to the point where they are quoting Republicans and Libertarians in order to express their full distaste for Clapper and your NONdecision regarding him. The risk is too great for Clapper to remain at his post, even one more day.
Mr. President, this is a decision you should've made about AG Holder several months ago, but that ship has now essentially sailed, and firing Holder will not really make more than a light ripple in the political pond now.
You need to to make the smart, swift, and right decision to fire James Clapper immediately.