Some take pride in their obedience to authority...
Nerd By Northwest #126 – “Authority Lacking Credibility”
(Click on the image to see the full-size version)
If you're wondering, it really IS true that demonstrating any sympathy with or encouragement to someone like Edward Snowden can jeopardize an American's ability to retain a security clearance. It is one of those complicated situations in where the initial justification is actually sound and makes a lot of sense. You don't normally want someone who sympathizes with someone who has breached security and leaked documents. BUT... that justification only makes sense if the government or employer in question is acting legally/constitutionally and in good faith.
Which leads me to the security manager in this strip, who is (loosely) based on a real person. The type of person who values obedience to authority over principles and ethics. The type of person that tends to more often rise in the ranks of government due to their sycophantic and/or mildly sociopathic nature more so than any particular skill or talent. In many, if not most, government agencies and departments, adherence to authority is usually valued over merit or talent.
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