Assigning Blame in the White House Crasher Scandal

Reader Comments

It is terrifying that someone could get past 'security' and get thatclose to some of the most powerful people in the world.The president may have not been in any danger, but what if it had beensomeone that did mean harm to someone there? What kind of message are wesending to our enemies? Lord knows that with the media coverage,everyone in the world knows how complacent and relaxed we are withsecurity at all levels. Sitting ducks for terrorists or fanatics.

Comment by Dianne of MS

Here's the deal -- the Secret Service is in charge of the security ofthe president. Period. Not the Social Secretary or any other "Love Boat"analogous functionaries. The Secret Service. They allowed a (fortunatelyinnocuous) security breach on their watch and they obviously need totighten up their protocols. It is that simple. The Secret Serviceactually are "glorified bouncers," as well as bodyguards, investigators,even soldiers when the need arises. They are arguably the finestsecurity service in the world. They are also human, can make mistakes,and the correct response of any professional who makes a mistake is toidentify the problem and correct it. Nobody has been "thrown under thebus," as much as knee-jerk Obama haters would like to portray it thatway. If Mark Sullivan [Secret Service director] saw fitto discipline officers under his command in response to a securitybreach, then it is his job to do so. Some people would like to seeSullivan fired over this. I don't necessarily agree, but the stakes arepretty high here.

Comment by Mike of MI

WhiteHouse staffers are responsible! I, as a taxpayer, am incensed thata White House staffer would take the time to email "perceivedsocialites" about state events and even take the time to try to securetickets without this couple having a security clearance. Doesn't speakwell for White House staffers that they are at the beck andcall of people they consider "society." If they are that impressed withpeople that appear so superficial and who could possibly compromisenational security, there's a problem. It looks as though the SecretService trusted White House staffers too much. I am an Obamasupporter but incidents such as this are just plain stupid!

Comment by Bren of GA

It's too bad this happened but thesocial secretary's office and the Secret Service should have stayed withprotocol. That's why we have it written in the Standard OperatingProcedure (S.O.P.). The new social secretary is perhaps a little youngto have the maturity to oversee such things. Event planning is an "art"not a hobby. Your key staff should always be at the "first" entry point.Rain or not. Waiting in a long line is an honor for this event. Perhapsthe White House will consider having a mature volunteer (onewith experience) to assist for the next couple of specialdinners/reception that will take place in the White House fora while. The two agencies were both at fault and should own up to it. Weare lucky nothing unpleasant happened.

Comment by Carol Randle of OR

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