Letters: Jun. 24, 2002

The Bombshell FBI Memo

"If I could, I'd fire the director of the FBI and say to Coleen Rowley, 'O.K., lady, you've got a job.' She won't let us down." DOUG JONES Odessa, Fla.

Thank you for your report on Coleen Rowley's important memo about the FBI's obstructing measures that could have helped disrupt the Sept. 11 attacks [THE WHISTLE-BLOWER, June 3]. Her letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller told of the bureaucratic culture that stifled and frustrated the Minneapolis field office's investigation of alleged terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui. Though perhaps troubling to many Americans, Rowley's letter resonates with those of us who have worked in the federal bureaucracy. We understand that the present system rewards the naysayers and consummate bureaucrats within the career civil service who say no to good ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. Rowley's memo will focus the attention of Congress and the Administration on FBI reforms. GERALD A. FILL Alexandria, Va.

Is it any coincidence that the two most notable whistle-blowers in American society today are women? Thank goodness for the impact of former Enron executive Sherron Watkins and FBI Special Agent Coleen Rowley. I'm glad they decided to place personal ethics and morality ahead of the careerist, risk-averse approach that men often robotically use in climbing the ladder. VICKI LOUK BALINT Phoenix, Ariz.

Take J. Edgar Hoover's name off the FBI building and rename it the Coleen M. Rowley Building. Then perhaps the people working inside it will follow Rowley's example. CYNTHIA L. KNIGHT Uncasville, Conn.

It took some courage for TIME to publish this story, and especially Rowley's memo, which the FBI attempted to deep-six by classifying it. This is yet another reminder of how important a free press is when we are facing unprecedented dangers. Reporting like TIME's and courageous people like Rowley make it impossible for the Washington crowd to cover up its failures. DON ALLEN Carlisle, Mass.

While there is no excuse for intelligence and law-enforcement agencies to fail in their duty to protect us, we can show some understanding of their shortcomings. What we cannot forgive is any cover-up of the truth--if you screw up, at least don't lie to us. Obfuscation engenders in Americans a pure lack of trust for their most important institutions. Considering only the numerous cover-ups since Watergate, I feel it is not surprising that Americans are steadily losing faith in their government. JERRY LUPU Albany, N.Y.

I have had it with people blaming the FBI for Sept. 11! Does anybody really believe it was the fault of the bureau, or is it just the scapegoat? To say the agents were caught with their pants down makes a great story, but can we expect the FBI to be absolutely flawless? Can we expect agents to weed through the thousands of terrorist threats made against the U.S., omnipotently knowing which ones to take seriously? I think the FBI does an exceptional job, considering the hand it is dealt every day. Who knows how many times its agents have saved lives? We owe them thanks, not blame. ENOCH BASNETT Corsicana, Texas