When the water reaches your knees...

Follow the rats. And for Georgie 33, the rats are leaving in droves.

Porter Goss has resigned as head of the CIA. Via the AP:

"He has led ably," Bush said from the Oval Office. "He has a five-year plan to increase the analysts and operatives."

Bush said that Goss, a former member of Congress, has "helped make this country a safer place."

"We've got to win the war on terror," Bush said.

Yeah, you do, George - way to keep up on things. And good call by Goss for coming up with 'a five year plan to get more analysts and operatives.' Maybe we can even find some that speak Arabic or Farsi. I'm glad that we've got the best and the brightest running things because I know after 9/11 I never would have thought to increase the number of people watching out for things like this.

All poking at Goss aside (didn't he admit he wasn't qualified for the position, but was confirmed by the GOP congress anyway?) lets look at what his retirement says.

First, the two people expected to 'retire' were Sec. Treasury John Snow and uber-advisor Karl Rove remain safe. Karl's 'retirement' would have actually meant something. His exit wouldn't just signal a change in modus operandi, it would bring a new thought processes into the White House. Similar for John Snow, as he is a cabinet level secretary, but John Snow carries less weight than Turd Blossom.

Portor Goss, however, carries zero weight. He's simply a bureaucrat, not a secretary. He doesn't make policy. His leaving doesn't signal 'change' in the White House. In fact, since there will be a new confirmation process for his replacement, it opens up the White House to (newly rediscovered) congressional oversight.

Summary: Porter staying had a zero net gain/loss for the White House. Porter Leaving was a distinct negative.

Is Goss the proverbial rat leaving the sinking ship? We'll know in about 20 years.

Porter Goss George W. Bush White House Shakeup