The Secret Service has argued that agents should not be required to testify on matters relating to the President of the United States because their possible testimony could distance them from the President and result in loose security that would in turn put the life of the President at risk. It is a fallacious argument that can be dispelled easily by a small dose of common sense.
The President would only distance himself from his bodyguard if he were up to some illegal activity. The President of the United States should not be involved in illegal activities. What justification could he have for such acts? This nation is one ruled by the notion that no person, however exalted, is above the law. If the President performs illegal acts, he should be treated as if he were any other citizen - he should be punished for his crimes. To do otherwise is to erode the basis of the law and set up, in effect a dictatorship. For where is the line drawn on an individual who places themselves about the law?
First, a President is allowed to lie under oath. Then he is allowed to accept campaign contributions in exchange for favors. Then might he manipulate tax laws to the advantage of his stock portfolio and to the detriment of the country? The he may allow missile technology to be sold to America's greatest military and economic rival. He then might issue executive orders that would undermine Congress and the rights of individual states. Then he might tamper with evidence in the suicide of one of his staff members and refuse to release evidence in spite of subpoenas.
What next? Rule by executive order and the complete subversion of a democratic-republic.
Machiavelli hypothesized that the leadership of a country periodically becomes corrupted. He puts forth the political maxim that this corruption must be purged for if it is not it will filter down and corrupt the people. When the people become corrupted and allow bad government it spells the end of a great nation and a great people.
Should the Secret Service be required to testify? Most assuredly. It may even be their moral obligation to report illegal activities carried on in the executive branch.
WJRayment
