Russia’s Response to U.S. Aid: Shrugs, Disinformation and Warnings of Nuclear War
SUBSCRIBER+ EXCLUSIVE REPORTING — Russia’s reaction to the new infusion of U.S. aid for Ukraine has ranged from shrugs to fury, from warnings of nuclear […] More
I teach at two great graduate schools at George Washington and Johns Hopkins Universities. I am privileged to interact with talented and dedicated students, many of whom aspire to work in the national security sector, primarily in the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC).
Since the election, the questions I hear repeatedly are clear and plaintive, “Should I still pursue working in the government in this Administration? Will I be welcome? Can I uphold the principles of this democracy in a Trump Administration?”
After more than 30 years of service in the Intelligence Community with some of the finest people I know, I cannot sufficiently capture how these questions and concerns trouble and sadden me. Many of my outstanding colleagues are still in the IC, mentoring new analysts, leading the effort to safeguard this country, devoting all their energy and smarts to the welfare of this Nation. But we are in need of reinforcements, of a new generation of analysts, operators, and leaders.
I’m not immune to the terrible nastiness of this campaign, the generalizations about federal employees by some Trump supporters, their ignorance of the incredible dedication of the national security workforce, and the extraordinary and groundless criticisms denigrating both military and intelligence leadership and staff.
But here is what I tell my students:
The greatest defense to an abuse of power are people like you who understand the law and responsibilities that come with the immense capabilities of our intelligence agencies. You understand the law and the need to balance the protection of civil liberties with national security. The more people like you who join our Intelligence Community, the less likely that abuse of power becomes.
When I spoke at my own retirement ceremony, I paraphrased a quotation often ascribed to Edmund Burke, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men and women to do nothing.” I concluded then, as I do now, I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to work with good men and women who did not avoid the fight, but instead committed themselves to stand together for their mission and for our nation. Especially now, I urge you to do the same.
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