Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit wrote a column for USA Today this week suggesting that it would be smart for Obama to appoint a Republican as Eric Holder’s replacement for attorney general:
For next attorney general, reach across aisleHaving a Defense secretary from the other party makes war bipartisan, and reassures members of the opposition that the powers of the sword aren’t being abused. Likewise, naming an attorney general from the opposite party would tend to make the administration of justice bipartisan, and would provide considerable reassurance, as Holder’s tenure in office emphatically did not, that the powers of law enforcement were not being abused in service of partisan ends. In an age of all-encompassing criminal laws, and pervasive government spying, that’s a big deal.
While I think that’s a good idea, this suggestion in the Washington Post from Dan Emmett, a secret service expert and former Marine, is a great idea.
After the recent security breach at the White House, Emmett says the current Secret Service director should be replaced and he knows someone who would be perfect for the job:
The Secret Service isn’t up to the job. It’s time to give them help from the military.The Uniformed Division, which was not designed to repel a military-type attack, needs to be beefed up with well-armed, well-trained military personnel. In addition, the Secret Service needs leadership that fully understands how to balance law enforcement with military force and use them together in harmony. This type of leadership is currently lacking at the Secret Service’s upper level. The current director, Julia Pierson, is a former police officer and has served in the Secret Service for 30 years. Pierson, while a highly competent and capable agent with an exemplary record, has no military background and, therefore, doesn’t have the needed perspective to lead the organization in wartime. During periods of extreme danger, as we now find ourselves in, we must be willing to admit that otherwise capable and dedicated agents are not right for the job of director.Pierson should be replaced and the next director should come from outside the Secret Service, with the deputy director remaining an agent. In this role, a true leader, not a bureaucrat, is needed. Someone like Florida congressman and retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Allen West would be perfect for the role. West has successfully demonstrated that he possesses the leadership skills of a combat officer as well as managerial and diplomatic skills of a congressman, exactly the traits needed in the next director. Highly competent and beholden to no one in the Secret Service, he would be a superb director.
It’s not going to happen, because …. why would he want it?
Featured image via YouTube.
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