THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 12, 1995 TAG: 9505110017
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
In times of crisis, the government often fails to act. Instead, it overreacts. Many responses to the Oklahoma City bombing have been reasonable, but a few proposals cross the line.
The Clinton administration wants to amend the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act which prohibits the use of the military for domestic law-enforcement purposes. This hedge against Caesarism has stood the test of time and should be retained. Removing bricks from the wall that separates civil government from military power would be a mistake. If, as is argued, the FBI needs expertise regarding chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, it ought to be empowered to acquire it for itself.
Other proposals that entail a redrawing of the line that separates CIA and FBI responsibilities are less troubling. John Deutch, CIA director-designate, has said he's willing to consider shifting responsibility for some missions - countering terrorism and drug trafficking - to the FBI. That makes perfect sense. The FBI should have responsibility for investigating lawbreaking within our borders, but should be permitted to follow the trail overseas if that's where the threats originate.
The CIA itself is overdue for downsizing with some duties going to the FBI and others to overlapping military intelligence units. The essential function of the CIA should be reduced to gathering nonmilitary intelligence regarding potential adversaries abroad. by CNB