MORE ON FREEMAN - AT 3:26 P.M. ET:  There are new developments in the case of Charles Freeman Jr., the dictator-loving diplomat named to head the sensitive National Intelligence Council.  We reported earlier today that, according to congressional sources, there'll be an independent investigation by the inspector general of Freeman's ties to Saudi Arabia.  He ought to include China as well.   

Now it appears that, despite the silence of the mainstream media, the controversy is escalating still further.  A spokeswoman for Dennis Blair, the director of national intelligence, says the White House has not yet "undertaken the typical vetting associated with senior administration assignments" and that Blair chose Freeman without White House approval.

Maybe, just maybe, the administration is backing away from this disgraceful appointment, and will hang it on Blair.

March 5, 2009