Web Letters: In Praise of Red Tape

True federal public servants RULE (of law)!

Victor Bruce Anderson

Eagle Lake, FL

I recall bureaucracy being much reviled during the Reagan presidency. While the image of the humorless, unimaginative and wasteful bureaucracy is embedded in the modern mind, it should be remembered that bureaucracy and a corps of civil servants is probably the hallmark of any long-lasting nation.

One of the developments that sustained ancient China's empire was its civil service. Because the daily business of government was shouldered by a professional class, the empire could function even through a series of inept hereditary rulers. The same can be said of early-modern European nations.

When reading Biblical accounts of the kingdom of Israel, time and again Israel suffered under bad kings and prospered or recovered under good ones. The arbitrary changes caused by kings is moderated by a layer of bureaucracy, allowing the people to go about their own business year after year.

Similarly, the rule of law that our country holds so dear, at least in rhetoric, prevents citizens from being victimized or favored by powerful individuals. Even if a particular king, president, CEO or philanthropist can be shown to be merciful, wise, generous and just, I would rather not be dependent on the vicissitudes of power. In a heartbeat, a good king is exchanged for an evil one. Instead, I want to rest secure in the rule of law and the law of rules.

Daniel Kim

Las Cruces, NM

Really, The Nation praising bureaucracy? Why doesn't that surprise me? personally, I can't wait until the bureaucrats take over our healthcare system, then we'll really be able to appreciate their dedication to liberal principals...

Dave Barlett

Miami, FL