National Security Advisor

Is Not Qualified

To the Editor:

In October 2009, General James L. Jones, Jr, resigned as National Security Advisor. Gen Jones is a four-star general, a Vietnam veteran, a retired Marine, led the Allied Command Operations in Europe, was a military assistant to the Department of Defense, a special envoy for Middle East security and the list goes on. Personally I feel he was qualified for the job.

He will be succeeded by Tomas E. Donilon. Mr Donilon has no military experience, was a registered lobbyist for Fannie Mae from 1999 to 2005 and during that time pressured his relationships in Congress to ignore Fannie Mae’s business practices. Mr Donilon was also a vice president at Fannie Mae, earned $15 million, and during that time Fannie Mae was found guilty of illegal accounting practices. Finally, Mr Donilon was a hired legal advisor for Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. After reviewing his resume it is clear his expertise is in destroying balance sheets of once profitable companies, so he should fit in just fine in Washington.

How could President Obama consider this guy? When asked, Obama said, “He has a probing intellect and a remarkable work ethic.” Really Mr President? Sure the guy may have worked hard, but the outcome of his work led three major firms to request federal aid in the form of “bailouts.” Once again you have shown that Washington will do what is best for Washington and “Friends of Washington” at the expense of the American public. In the past I have questioned and sometimes laughed at this administration’s economic policies, but now we’re dealing with the safety of our nation and the entire world. I would love to support and trust the current administration but this is one more example of why I remain critical.

Daniel M. Patti

84 South Main Street, Building C, Newtown      November 8, 2010