Most western countries are run by a civil service, typically within a framework of legislation enacted by governments passed. Perhaps here, we are just being r

Most western countries are run by a civil service, typically within a framework of legislation enacted by governments passed. Perhaps here, we are just being reminded that we should (unfortunately) consider the civil service as being a fourth component to a modern western democracy alongside the legislature, executive and judiciary. A separate animal so to speak from the executive branch to which it would normally belong. That so much authority is devolved to these often opaque and unaccountable institutions by the executive is something all should be wary of. Particularly in the USA in regards to national security, there is a climate of fear and intimidation about questioning any official policy.