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Drop concern for the wrongdoer

by Earl Beal - 03/18/15 7:11 PM ET

It is inexcusable the Secret Service’s chain of command failed to notify Director Joe Clancy (“Secret Service chief grilled by Congress,” March 17) of the misconduct of two of its drunk agents for a period of five days in the aftermath of their invasion of an ongoing White House-related active crime scene investigation, and appalling both agents were allowed to freely leave the scene without a field sobriety test, custodial interrogation, detention and justifiable arrest.

Clancy, in Tuesday’s House Appropriations Committee testimony, asserted he must build a level of trust with his subordinates to deal with the agency’s despicable culture. Rep. Hal Rogers of Kentucky straightforwardly stated it’s not about building trust but exacting discipline in the ranks, meaning automatic terminations of those found in violation of agency morals, policies, practices and procedures.

{mosads}Clancy then remarked we must be concerned about the health of these agents who suffer from alcohol dependency issues. The issue is not about drug- or alcohol-dependent agents. It’s about the health, safety and welfare of the president of the United States and his family.

Whether an issue involves a couple of Secret Service drunks or a previous secretary of State’s inability to follow the rules, we always seem to be concerned more with the welfare of the wrong-doer than doing what it takes to do the right thing.

From Earl Beal, Terre Haute, Ind.

McDonald’s improves on chicken

McDonald’s announcement regarding its transition to using only chicken raised without antibiotics, as outlined in The Hill’s March 4 article “McDonald’s switches to non-antibiotic chicken” is very exciting and promising. But the company could transition its supply of beef and pork as well.

As a millennial, I say with confidence that my peers and I deeply value the ethical raising of food. We are the generation that will feel the ill effects of an abusive food system. Because of this, McDonald’s commitment will yield more brand positivity and more sales from individuals of my generation; it’s a fantastic first step toward effectively combating the development of antibiotic resistance.

However, it should commit to selling beef and pork raised without antibiotics also.

From Kevin Mathieu, Washington, D.C.

Arctic Refuge is a national issue

At a recent Interior Department’s budget hearing, there were a number of members of Congress who spoke in favor and in support of the Obama administration’s decision to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from those who want to plunder it for oil. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, called the Arctic Refuge an “ecological treasure” and said protecting it was “an issue of national importance.” She thanked Interior Secretary Sally Jewell for her and President Obama’s decision to recommend wilderness designation for the refuge.

What’s more, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) said: “In my view, there are many places in our federal estate where oil and gas development are the highest and best use of our federal lands. I believe wildlife refuges are not among them. And, I want to thank you for recognizing that unique wilderness resource that frankly belongs to every American.”

The protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a national issue and it continues to have strong support on Capitol Hill and from all over the country. The refuge is wild and spectacular and belongs to all Americans.

From Cindy Shogan, executive director, Alaska Wilderness League, Washington, D.C.

Tags Maria Cantwell Martin Heinrich Sally Jewell