Yes, I'd say that is a spot on observation at this point. Any and all who were involved in this will be purged and they should be. The Secret Service is supposed to be the epitome of professionalism and state of the art executive protection. These involved agents have just severely tarnished that image for a long time to come.
President's detail recalled after scandal
The dozen Secret Service agents sent home after a prostitution scandal in Colombia were busted after at least one of them refused to pay one of the hookers, sources said.
The scandal — a black eye for the United States’ reputation abroad — was revealed Friday just hours before President Obama arrived in Cartagena for the Summit of the Americas.
The 12 agents were part of an advance team assigned to secure a local hotel before the summit began, yet their attention apparently turned to taking advantage of Colombia’s policy of legal prostitution.
\
Five American service members were also accused of misconduct stemming from the scandalous incident at the hotel, according to the U.S. military.
“They had arranged to have a bunch of prostitutes come by and one of the agents refused to pay a prostitute,” said author Ronald Kessler, one of the leading experts on the Secret Service.
“Yes, doubly good judgment there.” Kessler, who was briefed on the investigation by his sources within the agency, told the Daily News Saturday that the spurned hooker told police about the lack of payment.
The 12 agents were immediately recalled to Washington.
“Their careers are over,” said Kessler. “Number one, it is against basic ethics to go to a prostitute,” he continued. “Number two, it is incredibly embarrassing to the White House.” “And number three,” he continued. “It could leave them open to blackmail and a possible assassination attempt.”
Obama still has “full confidence” in the Secret Service, according to White House spokesman Jay Carney, who declared late Saturday that the incident “has been more of a distraction for the press” than the President. Kessler said two of the agents were supervisors who attempted to cover up the mortifying incident.
3 comments:
When we dedicated the Clinton Library I got to serve with the White House Secret Service group. I was in my role as a reserve deputy with our Sheriff's department. I served in uniform, weapon and all, even have my White House Security ID.
They put me out in front of one of their 2 check points for all coming to the dedication. About 30,000 people, so about 15,000 had to pass me before they got to the WH check in team.
I was thinking, "cool!" Then it dawned on me that if there was some nut going to try something I'd be the first one to go down!
:-)
They were smarter back in Clinton's day!
I attended a week long intensive training course with the Secret Service about fifteen years ago. Clinton was in office. Highly professional, intense insight into their methods etc. I was impressed and blessed to have had the training time with them.
On a side note, those there during that period couldn't stand Bill and Hillary, but loved George H.W.
This scandal strikes to the heart of the fact that their professionalism has gone slack and there needs to be a complete shake up of leadership.
And wonder bread is too stupid to see it.
Yes, George H. W. was present at the dedication. That's why the Secret Service was there in full support. They referred to President Bush as, "The Man." I got a kick out of that!
At the end of my 4 years in 73' they wanted me to reenlist and take a transfer to serve with HX1. That was pretty tempting! But by then ministry was calling.
Post a Comment