[imglorp]

There are congressional intelligence oversight committees, who I'd like to think are aware of these things.

More likely, there's a little golf club agreement now and then between some corporation or lobbying group and government agencies. For example, if you guys can help us with a little information and maybe a teensy overthrow, we'll give you some better terms on that spy sat you wanted.

[Zigurd]

Thing is, they're not, as we discovered when the Snowden revelations came to light. Intelligence agencies do, in fact, operate without proper oversight, and are run by means of informal channels to private interests with overseas assets to protect. That's been true since the Dulles brothers.

[ck2]

Is that like the congressional committee headed by and filled with people who don't believe in science?

https://www.google.com/search?q=congress+committee+anti+scie...

Why would you expect any other oversight committee in any other field be competent?

[alienjr]

Well, they were elected by a majority who doesn't believe in science. That's why it's strange that most of the people who believe in majority rule are surprised when democratic elections result in such outcomes.

[proksoup]

Would an alternative be any better? Democracy seems the only way forward, the solution is education (difficult if not impossible).

The mob is ignorant so pick someone smart to be in charge? How do you pick? Who decides? Maybe the smartest people are the ones who take power already. Really the money is in charge.

[kiba]

They don't believe in scientific authorities when it contradict their religious authorities and other deeply held beliefs?

[aagha]

If you haven't already, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins is a very good read.