While reading Lawfare‘s summation of the problem of Russia and Representative Nunes, Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, who appears is less interested in investigation and more in keeping Trump up to date with regards to how the investigation is going, it occurred to me that once again we’re seeing the problem of power politics, particularly in its core aspect: loyalty.
Nunes served on Trump’s transition team, and while this should not automatically disqualify him from leading an investigation into Trump’s campaign in search of serious illegalities, he should be aware that there should be a certain distancing between himself and Trump. In fact, this distancing is always necessary when it comes to governmental entities tasked with investigating other entities.
But, given the tight bonds of loyalty exhibited by the GOP voters, and now by a sitting investigative chairman, I think we can see there is a limit to the bonds of loyalty, and they need to be considered carefully by those who sit in those seats. Just as blind straight ticket voting is potentially damaging to the nation, so is the application of the core loyalty once a Congressional seat has been obtained. This is an issue which should be discussed nationally, not just in the context of Representative Nunes’ disgraceful behaviors (it’s rather like a child, running to the bully who’s subverted him), but in the greater context of the incompetency demonstrated by Trump in his nominees and conduct.
Excessive loyalty is damaging. Competency and wisdom are far more important.
And the failure of Congress to make any substantive noises about impeaching him.
And, in case you’re new to the blog, I’m not a Democrat. I’m an Independent. I’ve been disgusted with Trump since he first began running, and it’s only gotten worse.
