Cultural revolution…I doubt it because of politicians

The resignation of the Secretary of the Army over his oversight of the care of our veterans is admirable in his admissions. I leave to others to point out the terrible management type things that have happened, or failed to happen. But this person said it happened on his watch, and he had something to do with it, and another should come in and take corrective action, often called accomplishing the mission. What a breath of fresh air.

The Secretary followed a time honored tradition of assuming responsibility, and accepting the consequences. Even if he did well in most of his job, which he did, this one thing bit him in the rear end and sent him packing.

If only this principle applied to the rest of our government, specifically the rest of the Executive, and the elected members of Congress.

Besides the military, where else is there a standard for results; forget the standard for performance. The State Department is supposed, among it’s many responsibilities, to take the lead in Nation Building, now called reconstruction and stabilization. Yet many apparently still career promotable people refuse to go to Iraq, and other Americans still somehow go in harms way to fill their quotas. That there are no similar resignations in State is shameful, to this minor citizen. And to the wife who properly looks out for her interest in keeping her State Department’s husband’s career and income coming, I say tell your spouse to find another job. To expect another American to go in his place is shameful. That promotions and assignments still go on as in prior to 9/11, is also shameful. That these employees at State have a union is still a shock to me. Nothing is wrong with that as long as the President is in charge, but if he is superceded by them, then somebody needs to resign, or get fired.

Much the same applies to our politicians in Congress. There is nothing I can do but properly accept they are elected locally by my fellow citizens. This is right. But I also expect, and demand, some standard of competency when serving on committees. One should know the difference between Shia’s and Sunni’s when becoming the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Or one under investigation for criminal behavior ($90,000 in his freezer) should not serve in judgment of our Homeland Security practices. In the above examples, I rationally and freely admit I do not expect behavior such as the Secretary of the Army displayed to be followed by politicians. I do expect voter elections to correct the problems.

There is a glimmer of hope. Some standards of performance and results still apply to many of our fellow Americans.