Gatesgate. (Central Intelligence Agency Director-nominee Robert Gates) (editorial)

Nation, The, August, 1991

Orson Welles told this story: A frog is poised to cross a raging river. A scorpion, afraid to venture into the flood, asks for a ride. "Why should I carry you?" Frog replies. "You'll sting me and I'll die." "Don't be silly," says Scorpion. "It's in my interest to let you get across." Frog accepts the logic and begins to ferry Scorpion. But then he feels a mortal sting. "Why did you do that?" Frog cries out. "Now we'll both die!" Scorpion shrugs his eight shoulders. "I couldn't help myself. It's my nature."

Why should anyone believe that Robert Gates, President Bush's candidate for Director of Central Intelligence, has absented himself from the scams, scandals and subversions that have formed the very nature of the C.I.A. since its inception?...

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