In Focus

CIA Program jeopardizes the civil rights and liberties of Americans... CIA Director Leon Panetta recently disclosed to Congress that, under the Bush Administration, a secret program was conducted for several years without statutory Congressional notification. The issue of unchecked, domestic Intelligence activities is one that threatens to undermine our democracy and the civil rights of every American Citizen. These transgressions are similar in nature to the secrecy and misdeeds discovered during Congressional hearings relative to mkultra and other CIA activities during the 1970's, which resulted in the death of innocent Americans, and caused Ted Kennedy to make a statement on the Senate floor in 1977.

The recent disclosure by CIA Director Panetta underscores the need for change in Congress in order to prevent these same abuses which have occurred once again. Disturbingly, the undisclosed program was operational prior to 9/11, and continues to be funded through September 2011, despite media reports that the activities have been terminated. Dave Larson has performed research into these and other Intelligence program activities for over a decade, has been involved in government contract activities through an informal relationship with contract personnel, and has substantive knowledge of the contractual activities and resultant intellectual property. As a result of his involvement in these activities, Mr. Larson discovered evidence that incriminated senior Bush Administration personnel of significant felony criminal misconduct. The misconduct is severe and involves intelligence activities directed at children and elected officials domestically within United States borders.

In a letter to President Obama dated December 15, 2009, Mr. Larson, who supports indictment and prosecution of Dick Cheney and Stephen Kappes states:

" I am strongly committed to restoring the rule of law which has become perverted in recent years. I am disappointed and saddened at the direction the Department of Justice has chosen with respect to torture, counter-terror, and other controversial policies that have plagued this nation. I feel it has eroded our standing globally and has undermined the security of our nation. I know the challenges that face this nation are many, and the issues complex, however we must adhere to the rule of law and maintain our high ideals. It is my opinion that the previous administration has created a legal and political climate that makes the challenges we face infinitely more complex than is necessary, and this has compromised the security of this nation."

Dave Larson continues to address these abuses through litigation and political activities. Mr. Larson welcomes the appointment of David B. Buckley as the new CIA Inspector General and intends to cooperate with the new CIA Inspector General as necessary to address these abuses, and deter future domestic transgressions which undermine our security and democracy.