'This Is a Serious Security Blunder By the US Government'

What is it with these politicians and their desire to keep everyone informed of their every move? One of these days it'll get them killed.

A high-ranking member of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee has been criticised after blogging about his 'secret' congressional visit to Iraq on a social networking site.

Peter Hoekstra revealed that he was part of the delegation in numerous updates to his Twitter account.

'Just landed in Baghdad. I believe it may be first time I've had bb [BlackBerry] service in Iraq. 11th trip here,' he wrote.

Hoekstra, 55, continued to post details about the party's itinerary every few hours, despite the fact that none of the delegation were supposed to let anyone know the details of their travels.

His last post read: 'Moved into green zone by helicopter Iraqi flag now over palace.

'Headed to new US embassy. Appears calmer less chaotic than previous here [sic].'

It is not known whether Iraqi insurgents useTwitter - but if any of them do, they would no doubt be interested in the progress of a U.S. House Intelligence Committee, critics pointed out.

"This is a serious security blunder by the US government,' senior technology consultant at security firm Sophos Graham Cluley said.

'The Republican congressman is not only putting himself at risk with his careless Twittering, but also the people tasked with protecting him,' he added.

'Although these sites are evolving into great networking tools, security and common sense is crucial: even more so when you are a high-ranking government official.'

This is a reason why the Secret Service wanted Barack Obama to relinquish his BlackBerry. Maybe this will serve as a lesson.

GOP Outrage Over Islamic Society Convention

We noted Monday that the Department of Justice was sponsoring a convention held by the Islamic Society of North America.

Finally, some lawmakers have spoken out about it. Republicans only, of course.

What, you expected Democrats to speak up?

Republican lawmakers are urging the Justice Department not to participate in a convention held by the Islamic Society of North America -- a group named as an unindicted co-conspirator in an ongoing terrorism-financing case.

In a letter to Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, Reps. Peter Hoekstra of Michigan, ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Sue Myrick of North Carolina called the Justice Department's involvement a "grave mistake."

"In light of the threat that our nation is currently facing from radical jihadists, and because of the president's commitment to fighting the war on terror on all fronts, we believe it is a grave mistake to provide legitimacy to an organization with extremist origins, leadership and a radical agenda," the lawmakers said.

Rep. Peter T. King, New York Republican and ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said he agrees that Justice officials should not attend the conference.

"It is absolute insanity for the federal government, especially the Department of Justice, to be giving any credibility at all to a group like the ISNA, which has such strong links to Islamic extremism," Mr. King said.

The Washington Times notes there will be a complete story to follow.

Let's hope the DoJ snaps out of it and puts the kibosh on this lunacy.

UPDATE: More at Michelle Malkin and LGF.