Subject: Re: Cult Sunday
This has nothing to do with values. Competence and fitness aren't values, they're qualifications. That there are indications of "return to merit" or such are comical, considering the SECDEF selection (and many others) is simply a contest of whoever is the best lickspittle.

Clearly when I worked in the Bush WH the appointed staff (as opposed to the professional staff like those of us in the military and the USSS) were there on some level as a reward for fidelity and hard work. Same with Obama, when I worked in that era.

The massive difference is though they were awarded for loyalty, they were also smart and competent and devoid of the comically bad behavior we see in this lot.