This testimony presents a worst-case scenario for American institutions, particularly the Department of Homeland Security, under a second populist administration. It addresses key concerns of neoliberalism, such as the erosion of the rule of law, the dangers of illiberal governance and the corruption of state capacity through unchecked militarisation and nativism. It highlights how the rapid, politically motivated expansion of enforcement agencies without proper oversight can lead to systemic abuse and the collapse of the professional standards that are essential for a free and open society.
What do you think people should discuss about it?
Readers should focus on the structural issues that Graff raises, particularly the distinction between ‘1801’ and ‘1811’ job codes, and the way in which historically lower hiring standards have led to higher rates of corruption within CBP compared to other federal agencies. The question of whether agencies with such deep-seated cultural problems and a lack of internal oversight can be reformed or require a complete dismantling and rebuilding is worth debating. The piece also invites conversation on how civil society and local governments can effectively resist federal overreach when the executive branch reframes administrative law as a moral war.
houdt_koers on
I’m really happy that this is getting an airing. DHS is an abomination and needs to be dismantled. Its security services need to be stripped apart and replaced with accountable bodies under other, existing departments.
The ‘benefits’ of the department are far too scarce to justify the very real threat that it poses to American freedoms and democracy.
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Why is this relevant for r/neoliberal?
This testimony presents a worst-case scenario for American institutions, particularly the Department of Homeland Security, under a second populist administration. It addresses key concerns of neoliberalism, such as the erosion of the rule of law, the dangers of illiberal governance and the corruption of state capacity through unchecked militarisation and nativism. It highlights how the rapid, politically motivated expansion of enforcement agencies without proper oversight can lead to systemic abuse and the collapse of the professional standards that are essential for a free and open society.
What do you think people should discuss about it?
Readers should focus on the structural issues that Graff raises, particularly the distinction between ‘1801’ and ‘1811’ job codes, and the way in which historically lower hiring standards have led to higher rates of corruption within CBP compared to other federal agencies. The question of whether agencies with such deep-seated cultural problems and a lack of internal oversight can be reformed or require a complete dismantling and rebuilding is worth debating. The piece also invites conversation on how civil society and local governments can effectively resist federal overreach when the executive branch reframes administrative law as a moral war.
I’m really happy that this is getting an airing. DHS is an abomination and needs to be dismantled. Its security services need to be stripped apart and replaced with accountable bodies under other, existing departments.
The ‘benefits’ of the department are far too scarce to justify the very real threat that it poses to American freedoms and democracy.