Here’s When the Democrats Annoy Me

It appears that Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) will get a seat on the Homeland Security Committee, according to the Washington Post. If anyone is wondering how I can vigorously oppose the war in Iraq and still consider not voting for Democrats, this is an excellent example. (I have the same problem with the Republicans and their responses to their own scandals, but this morning is the day for the Democrats to get on my nerves.)

If a member of the armed forces, or a federal employee had access to classified information, or was involved in security discussions, and that person came under investigation, that person’s security clearance would be lifted until the issue was resolved. It may sound unfair from a civilian point of view. What if he or she is investigated and turns out to be innocent? Well, as we were told repeatedly when I was in the service myself, your security clearance is not a right, it’s a privilege. If you’re found innocent as the result of investigation, your clearance will be restored. Otherwise, away with you!

Just because the voters of his district in Louisiana were careless enough to re-elect him doesn’t mean the rest of the country needs to suffer because of his behavior. At a minimum his response to the investigation puts his judgment badly in question, and congress behaved badly, even under Republican leadership, in trying to protect themselves from investigation.

Congressman Jefferson should not hold any position of responsibility in the congress, with the exception of the one that cannot be denied to him due to the voters of his district, until this is cleared up. Congress should be anxious to do so. Instead, they appear to be giving him a free pass, and a position of serious responsibility. Removing him from Ways and Means (a good choice, in my view), but then putting him anywhere where he’d be involved in national security is irresponsible.