Yesterday, another free-wheeling random-style revenge shooting. Besides all the other things that ought to be said, I want to say something about the local police chiefs and sheriffs whom we see on television briefing the press after these horrific shootings. Whether they’re heads of large urban police forces or small town sheriffs, these men and women are, without exception, well-spoken, responsive, professional and eminently competent. And this is under extremely stress-filled circumstances.

     They choose their words carefully, they don’t twist facts, they don’t exhibit bias. They are candid yet cautious. This is not to say that these local officials are heroes or saints. This just makes me wonder why so many of our senators, governors, cabinet members, White House officials, and especially White House occupants, have none of these qualities. Why are there so many good people in government, and so few really good ones at the very top?