Poindexter’s resignation letter to Tether in August 2003 ran five single-spaced pages, expounding on DARPA’s origins, its purpose, and its achievements. He reviewed the history of the Information Awareness Office, providing a detailed and unapologetic defense of its activities, and blasted the “charged political environment of Washington, where glib phrases, ‘sound bites,’ and symbols” are used instead of debate. He expressed hope that Congress might salvage some of his office’s work.
