Certainly, such behavior does not inspire confidence that a candidate for Director of Central Intelligence will be fully transparent and forthcoming toward the legislative branch -- for whom he also works.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Why Tony Lake Is In Trouble In The Senate

Worse yet, U.S. policy-makers -- and here, I regret to say, I must assign some blame to the legislative branch as well as the executive branch -- have seized upon the perceived public's lack of concern with security policy to take steps that will greatly magnify the dangers of applying inadequate leadership, attention and resources to world affairs.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

The checks and balances on the executive built by the framers into the co-equal legislative branch have withered, particularly when the same political party controls both the White House and both chambers on Capitol Hill.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: 'Here, the people rule'