The CIA, Hollywood, and History with Janelle Neises

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Janelle Neises who serves in the Office of Public Affairs of the Central Intelligence Agency. They discuss the CIA museum, its mission and purpose, and what goes into actually selecting and approving the exhibits and artifacts. They also chat about the CIA and its consultation on films and television like Jack Ryan, Argo, The Americans, and more.

Table Of Contents:
0:00 The Secret Museum
4:50 Argo Build Yourself
9:04 Acquiring History
13:19 Inspiring Success
16:16 Reel v. Real
20:22 Officer, not Agent
23:58 Inspiring Future Agents
26:09 CIA Novels
29:59 Staying Authentic
34:55 Starstruck Actors
36:09 Hints for History

[jamestroutman]

I think it is very appropriate the Ronald Reagan Institute is the platform for this forum. While Reagan did a lot to inspire and lead our nation during the 80’s, I suspect the CIA probably further consolidated their power and corruption in a big way during his administration. It was probably the time period when the groundwork for the unconstitutional Patriot Act was laid that later passed through Congress in the early 2000’s. All conjecture on my part, I agree. But, when we finally elect a Congress and a President who have had enough of the CIA’s corruption and unconstitutional behavior, perhaps then, we who pay for that museum in the CIA headquarters, will all get a closer look what those behind the spreading of chaos, mayhem and murder around the world, really did and how, when and where they did it. I hope that day comes sooner rather than later.