Are You Afraid of Power Without Checks?
The concept of a ldquo;deep staterdquo; often circulates in political discourse, suggesting the existence of a powerful, unaccountable network that operates behind the scenes. However, as I have previously stated, there is no such thing as a ldquo;deep state.rdquo; Instead, there is a system of professional civil servants who carry out their duties without regard to the political leanings of the current administration.
To illustrate this point, we can look back to the ldquo;Yes Ministerrdquo; TV show from the BBC in the 1980s, where the ldquo;Permanent Undersecretary of Staterdquo; speaks about serving eleven governments over thirty years without adhering to any single policy. This civil servant would have been passionate about opposite policies, such as keeping out of the Common Market one day and joining it the next. This same pattern would be seen with nationalization and privatization, capital punishment, and economic theories like Keynesianism and Friedmanism. The quote highlights how civil servants can remain committed to their roles regardless of the political climate.
The Malign Nature of Top Appointments
While it is true that the system can be corrupt, as evidenced by the example of Venezuela, it is also essential to consider how large government structures can breed corruption among appointed officials. These individuals often have a long tenure in their positions, leading to the potential development of corrupt connections and conspiracies.
For instance, the media has reported on internal resistance within government agencies during transitions in administrations. Take the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for instance. Some employees were openly unhappy and hostile to the next leader's selection, demonstrating internal political influences.
High-Profile Examples of Unethical Behavior
The unauthorized emails sent by an FBI agent named Strzok and his partner (referred to as his ldquo;FBI mistressrdquo;) highlight the potential for higher-level ethical breaches. The emails contained statements such as ldquo;we will stop Trumprdquo; and ldquo;we need an insurance plan,rdquo; indicating an intent to influence government outcomes beyond their official duties.
Implementing Rotations to Combat Corruption
To mitigate the risk of such corruption, it may be time to implement regular rotations of key officials. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has a policy of rotating agents every six months to prevent corruption. Similarly, the FBI used to follow a similar practice. Regular rotations can disrupt the formation of corrupt cabals and reduce the likelihood of long-term conspiracies.
By moving individuals to positions with different influences and connections every couple of years, we can minimize the risk of corruption. If a corrupt group maintains its connections for decades, the likelihood of one member exposing the group increases. Additionally, new appointees are less likely to join in such conspiracies, further reducing the risk of corruption.
In conclusion, while the idea of a ldquo;deep staterdquo; may be misleading, the potential for governmental corruption remains a significant concern. Implementing regular rotations of key officials can help ensure a more transparent and accountable system.