Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c990IR // #c990Synthesis

Talbot’s rule for the CIA’s hierarchy: Hunt, Harvey, Morales were indispensable, until they became expendable. You are protected exactly as long as you are useful, and not one day longer. Hunt’s epitaph for the code: “I thought—mistakenly—that I was dealing with honorable men.”

— In our words · Source: The Devil's Chessboard (David Talbot)

[Use when]

Someone loyal is suddenly described as a rogue. Check whether they just became expendable.

[Why it matters]

The institution advertises loyalty. Knowing the real rule changes how you read every “retirement,” every cut-out, every fall guy.

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