Originally Posted by
GUWonder
Lots of people hate/hated Snowden, Nixon and the Clintons. And lots of other people are hated by millions of other people too. That makes for a lot of people who "should be the allowed the opportunity" to fly in the same way as retired LEOs.
How often are retired LEOs checked for having it mentally together? Don't more LEOs in the US commit suicide than get killed by felons? How does the suicide rate of retired LEOs compare with the suicide rate of pre-retirement/active LEOs?
Possibly. But what is your definition of "lots"? I suspect 99%+ of the many millions who harbor palpable hate for the leaders of the CIA or similar intelligence/security organs have absolutely no (and will never have any) knowledge of who Mr. Krongard is or who his similarly placed colleagues are. But the very few who do know will most likely have the skills and/or resources to effect an attack. Which is why as a matter of practice they are afforded federally sanctioned privileges to defend themselves the rest of the hated farm aminals are not. Yes, yes, hazard of the business and all that; wouldn't be the first time - wont be the last. I must say, however, I am surprised it happens so exquisitely rarely. I mean, the stuff Gabe Allon or Mr. Smiley suffered every time they tried to retire is legendary but it really just doesn't happen no matter how paranoid they be or become later.
Interesting sociological questions, to be sure. I have no idea nor any inclination to get one - I spend way too much time already on FT.
Of course, Snowden is/should be pretty well protected from violence while in the protective custody/employ of Putin the Humanitarian. And the Nixons and the Clintons receive(d) USSS protection.