Negroponte to join state department

People in powerful positions in business or in government just don't voluntarily demote themselves. So what's really going on?

John Negroponte, the US national intelligence director, is to resign after 20 months in the job to become deputy secretary of state to Condoleezza Rice.

He took over in April 2005 as the United States' first intelligence chief, responsible for overseeing 16 US spy agencies.

Hmmm. Maybe I have my answer further down in the story.

The Democrats, who take control of Congress on Thursday, have promised greater oversight of government agencies.

The Senate intelligence committee, for instance, is planning hearings this month on the intelligence overhaul that Negroponte helped put in place.

But why stay in government? Wouldn't it make more sense to leave for private industry? And the oversight will still happen and Negroponte could still find himself in hot water. And then there's this.

Negroponte's transition to the state department must be confirmed by the Senate, as would Bush's choice for his replacement.

Both changes will also create new openings for the Democrats to debate the administration's intelligence and foreign policy direction.

So I'm just stumped. No need for tinfoil hats, but there has to be much more to this than just some reconsideration of career. Right? Just asking.

One thing is very clear, the GOP critters ain't watching out for each other anymore, especially Bush.Their lack of loyalty is simply amazing. They used to have it in spades, but that was back when the prez had clout. As the most lame duck in US history he has as much clout now as I do.

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