Clinton Link to CIA Operatives Convicted in Italian Court

As all should already know:

In a landmark case, twenty-three Americans, mostly CIA operatives, have been convicted in Italy for kidnapping a Muslim cleric from the streets of Milan in 2003.... The case marks the first time any American has been convicted for taking part in a so-called “extraordinary rendition.” [1]

The 2003 operation has been described in terms of the "Keystone Cops," ridiculed as inept and corrupted by by excesses:

CIA people had stayed, in five-star hotels, eating expensive meals with vintage wines, rented luxury automobiles—all at taxpayers’ expense. [1]

It's true that this particular operation was conducted on the watch of George W. Bush, and it might be tempting to for liberals to point out this conviction as another strike against Bush administration excesses. Sure, there's some truth in that; however, the reality is that this behavior is indicative of an establishment orientation that goes beyond Bush:

The case marks the first time any American has been convicted for taking part in a so-called “extraordinary rendition,” a practice the CIA has used, dating back to the Clinton administration, to kidnap wanted individuals anywhere in the world. [1]

More on "Challenging the Establishment."

Sources:

1. DemocracyNow!, "Italian Prosecutor in Case Against CIA Operatives Hails Convictions for ’03 Kidnapping of Egyptian Cleric," November 6, 2009.

Obama: Get Beyond Clintons

The Clintons represent the corporate wing of the Democratic Party. They're the ones who have made windfall profits while driving the economy into the ground: NAFTA, 1996 Telecommunications Act, allowing speculative investment banks to merge with commercial banks (roll-back of the Glass-Stegal Act).

Obama needs to avoid Clinton era people as cabinet members, like Larry Summers being considered for Treasury. We want change, and Hilary Clinton for Secretary of State would represent the status quo.

It is OK to have Clinton era people help with the transition, given their practical experience with the mechanics of how the White House works. There are also any number of ways to benefit from Clinton era people for advice without giving them Cabinet posts. But Obama has to get beyond the Clinton era people if his message of change is to have legitimacy.