I have a friend, who is an intelligence analyst in the US Army. He rarely answers my questions, but I've learned a ton from him none the less. One phrase he always repeats is in my mind this morning.
Intelligence drives operations.
In other words what we know determines what we do. The work, which goes into what we know, will never be celebrated. This country barely acknowledges our troops, let alone the incredibly dedicated people, who support them.
Some collect intelligence. Some sort through and organize intelligence. Some analyze this intelligence. Some take that analysis, and apply it to operations.
These individuals are in the military and the intelligence services. They served Bill Clinton. They served George Bush. They now serve Barrack Obama. They don't choose to enter public service as politicians. They serve their country, regardless of who we elect. Their personal views are as diverse as anyone in the broader public.
The difference between us in the political sphere and them is one of philosophy. We tend to approach the world with reductionism. We want to make the world simplistic and bite sized. They take no such luxury. They live in a world of complexity and contradiction.
My friend is a proud atheist, but he has an incredible ability to take on the view of an Islamic radical or an Israeli Zionist. He is a libertarian with socially progressive views, but can instantly see the world through tribal feuds.
Any book I mention, which deals with social interaction, he has usually already read. If he hasn't read it, by the time I get the next email he has devoured and skeptically analyzed every chapter. When I ask a question or make an ignorant assertion, he points me to some book I've never read. Every book forces me to reevaluate my understanding of the world.
It isn't just the intelligence community. There are people, who administer the social security organization, and do so under Democrats and Republicans. Regardless of congressional bickering, their expertise is critical in maintaining crucial social programs.
Osama bin Laden first attacked the United States under President Clinton. From that moment on, dedicated men and women have worked every lead and turned over every stone. Politicians receive both criticism and praise for their responses to these issues, but politicians don't do the hard work required.
This is indeed a major victory for President Obama. Seeing what must be done clearly, and doing it is no easy task. Still take a moment to consider the thousands of people, who have worked relentlessly, to give our President this option.