Left hand fighting the right...

The New York Times has a story out today concerning a memo from Porter Goss to his staff...a quote from the memo is as follows:

"I also intend to clarify beyond doubt the rules of the road. We support the administration, and its policies in our work as agency employees. We do not identify with, support or champion opposition to the administration or its policies. We provide the intelligence as we see it -- and let the facts alone speak to the policymaker."

Is it me or is the first half of that statement diametrically opposed to the second half. If you are providing the intelligence only and letting the facts speak for themselves...you should not be supporting or championing anyone. However, if you chose to blindly support the administration (agree or disagree) you are not letting the facts speak for themselves...your support is tantamount to an approval of policy. I agree with the second half. They aren't paid to have an opinion...they are paid for the facts. Support is tantamount to an opinion.