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If you haven't noticed by now I always enjoy discussion. I received the following comment in response to my post "If it's not race..." (click HERE if you haven't read it):
Perhaps you missed my conversation with a seasoned secret service agent where I asked how exactly you become one. If so, click HERE.
Essentially they are all either military or other college graduates, then they sign up and are "trained". What I failed to mention was how he also commented on how young some of them were, including the head of command that day who was 26. Technically, I could've done it having been in San Diego witnessing a lot of the military "training" going on. Now, I'm not at all downplaying this young man's abilities but hear me out for a second. It's lovely that you have a seemingly unshaken faith in their protective services, but when it comes down to it, they are still mortals just like the rest of us and just as much as soldiers kill civilians and even eachother during this idiotic war, shit happens. We've lost officials before, even presidents, and the secret service was just as trained then as they are now.
Now I'm guessing you might choose to argue, "That was years ago, the technology and/or training is much more sophisticated now." But guess what Tully, so are the crazies! Remember the DC sniper? He killed what, 10 people without even being touched? Now although I may have my own conspiracy theories about that, the FBI was on it and they have similar training. HMMM. I'm just presenting an argument.
And honestly, the purpose of the post wasn't at all to say, "Oh because he has less service agents, that's a disadvantage, relaxed or because of his race." It was MORE SO TO POINT OUT that he had a NEED for them earlier because he was THREATENED. Why? Because he's a BLACK MAN RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT AND AMERICA ISN'T ENTIRELY READY FOR IT. Got me?
I did thoroughly enjoy this though. Please come again!
xoxo
M.
Living in Washington, especially six blocks from the White House, it is really easy to allow the Secret Service to just meld into your every day life. They are just everywhere. Do not forget that the men and women that protect our elected officials are the best trained citadels the world has ever seen.
Living in the same building as a member of the Senate, Secret Service is sitting out of my building 24/7. Though Treasury/Secret Service policy is confidential (for good reason), Obama's detail may be smaller, but I doubt that is more lax than they feel the threat level needs to be or less effective than previous details of more citadels. In fact, it is likely more effect as a smaller detail that larger as conversation is better facilitated. Perhaps the SS believe that their current citadels are so well trained with the combination of the technological advances available that they only need 3/5 the man-force that they once needed.
If there is one thing this country knows well, it is defense and the protection of it's elected officials. The oversight of Congress (especially with Democratic control) is going to guarantee that they are not assassinated.