Saturday, July 27, 2013

Wainstein's Path Aided PEU's


Kenneth Wainstein, a 1984 University of Virginia graduate, served the public in several high profile roles under President George W. Bush.  Wainstein wrote the Attorney General opinion that greatly expanded NSA searches to U.S. citizens.

The procedures "would clarify that the National Security Agency (NSA) may analyze communications metadata associated with United States persons and persons believed to be in the United States", Wainstein wrote.

This provided security contractors, like Booz Allen Hamilton, the opportunity to make billions off the federal government.

Contrast Wainstein's letter with UVA founder Thomas Jefferson's statement:

"As revolutionary instruments (when nothing but revolution will cure the evils of the State) [secret societies] are necessary and indispensable, and the right to use them is inalienable by the people." --Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 1803. FE 8:256

Wainstein later became the White House Homeland Security Advisor and closed out Bush's term, including lingering concerns about the hapless Hurricane Katrina Lessons Learned report, crafted by Frances Townsend.

Wainstein left "public service" to defend white collar criminals.  He also conducts corporate investigations, the very thing the Bush administration failed to do competently with LifeCare Hospitals and Hurricane Katrina.  Did Wainstein help Carlyle's ARINC with their recent World Bank procurement problems which resulted in nearly a three year ban or Booz Allen Hamilton's nightmare as a result of Edward Snowden's revelations?

Wainstein would be judged harshly by Jefferson, the youthful version.  He would fit in with the older Jefferson, who turned down an inheritance that would've freed his slaves, later using those same slaves as collateral for a huge loan.  Wainstein clearly aided private equity underwriters.  The American public, not so much. 

Update 5-10-17:  Wainstein has been mentioned as a possible FBI Director nominee after the firing of James Comey.  Wainstein is a good fit for Trump's PEU loving team.