The question is not flippant. Ultimately, we must spy. The world is a more dangerous place now than during the Cold War. From Islamic terrorists to Colombian drug lords, we need to know what is in the hearts and minds of foes who can carry their fight to the streets of America. Expensive satellites can fly over gathering pictures and signals.
Analysts can hypothesize and speculate.
But, in truth, neither can look into someone s eyes or catch a tone of voice that spells out true intent. Only a human being talking and dealing with another human being up close can achieve that level of intelligence. The failures we have suffered in intelligence during the last few years result from too much emphasis on high-priced technology and not enough on basic human gumshoeing. The previous administration made no bones about its feelings toward human intelligence it was dirty and unnecessary. In fact, we need more well-trained people spying for the United States.