Commentary
“What’s a ‘loyalist?’ How many presidents nominate ‘disloyalists’ to fill senior positions?”
As a political blogger, I read news and commentary from a number of sources most likely unfamiliar to you, as are the writers, I imagine. I get a great deal of satisfaction out of excerpting quotes that help me in conveying my thoughts to you.
I frequently quote blogger Matt Taibbi. That’s his quote above. He followed with “Why do sites like Axios continue to complain that Donald Trump has picked ‘yet another hardline MAGA ally’ to occupy a key spot? Who the hell is he supposed to pick.”
It’s from his piece, The Bell Finally Tolls for the FBI, in which he writes “the nomination of Kash Patel means chickens are coming home to roost for the FBI, which needs to be destroyed as a political enemy.”
After a reminder of the FBI’s role in the Russian collusion fabrication and other agency abuses in intelligence and surveillance, Taibbi explains the impossibility of leaving participants like Chris Wray in place.”
”The FBI should get out of politics and go back to investigating crime,” adding, “it won’t do that until everyone connected to those capers have been at least sent to the private sector, if not somewhere less hospitable.”
I agree. The FBI has become a politicized, corrupt organization that needs to be restored as the premiere law enforcement agency it once was. And, yes, Patel is a loyalist, but he’s the guy who can bring that about.
While I am turning to excellent quotes, this one from Robert O’Brien, President Trump’s national security advisor 2019-2021,who cites Wray as a friend, is brief, but succinct:
“The FBI needs Director Kash Patel, and so does the nation.”
The quote comes from a detailed account of O’Brien’s observations of Patel in his Wall Street Journal op-ed, “Kash Patel is Right for the FBI.” Patel served as the National Security Council’s senior director of counterterrorism when O’Brien was NSA.
“I was able to count on him to get any job done, no matter how complex or difficult. Mr. Patel handled some of the nation’s most sensitive issues with care and discretion.
“I have no doubt that Mr. Patel will return our top-flight FBI agents to fighting crime and arresting the gang members, terrorists, spies and traffickers who activities have surged over our borders in recent years.”
And furthermore: “Under his leadership the FBI will no longer harass parents who speak up at PTA meetings and Catholics who attend the Latin Mass or conduct lawfare against Mr. Trump and senior GOP officials.”
Finally … Pete Hegseth, the president elect’s nominee to be secretary of defense, said he spoke with Mr. Trump and was told to “keep up the fight” as he continues to meet with Senators.
Facing anonymous smears over excessive drinking, Hegseth has related “having some beers” after returning from combat. He has pledged to stop drinking alcohol if he is confirmed.
Frankly, it doesn’t look good for Hegseth, with a number of Republicans on the edge. Alabama’s Republican Sen. Tommy Turberville, who has been a strong voice to give the president who he wants in his cabinet, had an interesting quote, too:
“Who are we to say that we’re a better vetter and picker of people than Donald Trump?”
May God continue to bless the United States of America.
