Dumb slips can have unforeseen
consequences; as members of the Secret Service detail, sent as an
advanced party to Columbia, are now learning. While being on a
mission to provide security and analysis of the situation in
Columbia, as well as providing a “safe” area for the president.
While the people involved in the
scandal, and the prostitutes, were not directly involved with
close-support of the president, they did have specific positions that
could be compromised by the actions. This is on top of revealing
information regarding the president's location to unknown people.
There was a chance that these prostitutes could either be spies, or
connected to organizations that were not happy with President Obama.
By taking such actions, not only did
the agents provide information and possible blackmail material to
enemies of the state, they also gave open access to unknown and
un-vetted people inside the safe perimeter. There is the possibility,
no matter how remote, that the prostitutes could have slipped
something into the “safe” zone that could harm the president or a
member of the diplomatic party.
There has been a lot of questions about
disciplinary action taken, even as far as the head of the Secret
Service Mark Sullivan to resign. While this seems like overkill,
since Sullivan had no direct action or oversight into the agents'
behavior; disciplinary action must be taken on the agents involved.
By pulling such a stupid stunt, they jeopardized the stability and
well-being of the nation.
While this may not seem defense minded,
the loss of a president would be staggering; not including the
political loss of a presidential candidate so close to the elections.
Any such action has the probability to strongly weaken America's
resolve and ability to enact policy in the near future, leaving it
open for aggressive movements by enemy organizations.
The importance of the President will
always make him (or her) a target, because of the prestige and power
that the position brings. If this person is not guarded, or is
removed from the position forcefully and quickly, the repercussions
will be felt around the world. While there are redundancies in place
to ensure that America is not leaderless, a switch in leadership
during crucial times can cause major changes in policy; as well as
risking important political or defensive decisions being overlooked.
In addition, the change in the power structure of the world would
leave a momentary power gap that could lead others to try and
capitalize on the confusion.
The importance of the security details
of the Secret Service are once again thrust into the spotlight, and
must be re-examined to ensure that the president is safe, for the
security and stability of the nation. To this effect, the already
strenuous testing and assignment procedures of the Secret Service
must be changed or enhanced to ensure not only competent, but also
sensible people are placed on the detail. In addition to this, send a
senior agent with knowledge and power to supervise or “babysit”
the people securing the area. Those protecting the president are
supposed to be quite skilled and smart, but actions such as this
reach of paternalism and patronage; something that should be removed
from the position.
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