Topic: Security Contractors

A congressional hearing clip reveals that nearly 5 million individuals in the U.S. have security clearances, with 1.4 million holding "top secret" access. The hosts discuss the inherent risks of having such a large number of contractors with access to sensitive data. They also mention open discussions during the hearing regarding corruption within the Office of Personnel Management and the NSA.

The hosts question why the FBI is focused on international terrorism rather than domestic financial crimes like Ponzi schemes. They discuss the lack of coordination between the FBI and Homeland Security. Reference is made to a New York Times report on the massive, redundant network of private security contractors on the government payroll.

The Department of Homeland Security is revealed to have 200,000 private contractors, exceeding its 180,000 direct employees. In Afghanistan, an investigation is underway regarding the death of a US Marine allegedly shot by Afghan security guards. Reports suggest the guards may have been under the influence of opium at the time.