General Michael Hayden testified yesterday before the Senate Intelligence Committee as a part of the confirmation process that he hopes will land him a job as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Though nothing arose in these hearings that would likely prevent senate approval, Hayden did take a grilling on the domestic surveillance programs that were executed under his watch as the head of the National Security Agency.

According to Senator Carl Levin, the Intelligence committee's senior Democrat, "It's very likely he'll be confirmed." And the CBS Evening News reported that "[General Hayden's] performance has even Democrats [saying] that barring any unforeseen surprises, he's probably going to sail on through confirmation."

Once again, Democrats show that they are absolutely spine-free even when it comes to standing up for the basic rule of law.

"He's the right man to lead the CIA at this critical moment in our nation's history."

-- George W. Bush on newly appointed CIA Director Porter Goss, August 10, 2004

and...

"He's the right man to lead the CIA at this critical moment in our nation's history."

-- George W. Bush on his nominee for CIA Director Michael Hayden, May 9, 2006

Bush is a man of few words - apparently very few words.

Nevertheless, conservationists should be relieved that Bush is finally starting to appreciate the benefits of recycling.

And Hayden should be disturbed that, by Bush's 'verbal-praise-o-meter', he has less than two years to serve as CIA Chief (If confirmed).

Thanks to Comedy Central for uncovering this thoughtless gaffe.

"We need a respected competent intelligence professional who can respect and manage this growing agency. Based on what I know so far, General Mike Hayden appears to fit that bill."

-- Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein on the Nomination of Michael Hayden as CIA Chief

Think again senator.

1. Hayden oversaw the illegal Domestic Spying Program

2. Hayden obeyed illegal orders:

It's a military officer's sworn duty to refuse to obey illegal orders. As an auther wrote in the Navy Times (warning: doc file):

According to military legal studies, a lawful order must be reasonably linked to military needs, be specific and not be contrary to established law -- the Constitution, United States or other laws -- or be beyond the authority of the person issuing the command.

In other words, Hayden had a legal, Constitutional, and moral obligation not to conduct the illegal spying that's characterized his recent career. He's a disgrace to his uniform, and unworthy of any position of public responsibility. Someone who betrays the Constitution as Hayden has done deserves the label "un-American."

3. And Hayden displayed gross ignorance of the Constituion that he has sworn to protect. Surely, the next CIA Chief should know that "probable cause" is the legal standard that protects Americans from "unreasonable searches and seizures."

CLICK TO ENLARGE New CIA Director Michael Hayden standing outside the new CIA Super-Spy Center scheduled to open at the newly renovated CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia

Washington, DC (APE) - President Bush this morning made it official by announcing Air Force General Michael Hayden as the new head for the CIA, ending a weekend of speculation. Hayden stepped forwards today to aggressively promote his ideas for a new direction for the CIA. He admitted to the press that his ideas were not entirely original, and based upon a year's worth of groundwork laid by former director Porter Goss. Hayden announced that the CIA would now be striving towards developing the human intelligence factor, or HUMINT, worldwide, which was one of the CIA's founding goals. He stated that in order to pursue this goal in the most cost effective manner possible, the CIA would be partnering with Wal-Mart Inc. worldwide thanks to its innovative human resources practices.