[kabar]

I spent 28 years in the State Department. The reality is that the permanent bureaucracy runs the government for the most part with the possible exception of foreign policy. Political appointees can be shaped or thwarted by the bureaucracy.

IMO the bureaucracy has become too big and increasingly politicized. Most of the political contributions go to the Dems, the party of Big Government. This should not come as a surprise since most bureaucrats believe they doing something worthwhile and important. This is dangerous. The scandals and improprieties of IRS, EPA, ATF, etc. may be initiated by political appointees, but the reality is that the career bureaucrats don't have to be convinced to do it. There is no resistance.

As a result, even if the Reps win the WH and continue control over Congress, the ability to change things will be circumscribed by the bureaucracy, which cannot be changed thanks to the Pendleton Act and government unions.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Very interesting in your post 4015.