There comes a point, a “Bridge on the River Kwai” moment, for those who enter into public service with the intent to serve the public, and then suddenly realize they are engaged in quite the contrary.

I refer to the 1957 movie The Bridge on the River Kwai and explain for those who don’t recall or haven’t seen it.  The crux of the movie is a story of a British officer who, as a prisoner of the Japanese in Burma, is the commander of a POW labor effort to build a railroad bridge for the Japanese over the river Kwai.  He and his men are forced to do this work.

The labor is arduous, and many die in the effort.  But the focus of what is being accomplished pushes the big picture off point.  The British officer becomes so proud of the bridge construction and its completion that he forgets his true mission, the fact that the Japanese are the enemy, and that though he supervises the bridge construction, it is their prize and a vital asset to them.  When allied commandos attempt to blow up the bridge, the British officer at first fights their effort.  Suddenly he realizes that his ultimate duty is not to preserve the bridge, but to aid in the effort to destroy it, despite all the pains incurred by his men in its construction.

View the movie clip here (0:50 second mark). 

There is a lesson here for the minions who serve this administration.  When one initially immerses oneself in public service, it must not be later forgotten whom one promised to serve.  Politics, promotions, pensions, and compensation may sway one off point, but if such should happen, a re-evaluation, a “River Kwai” moment, should arise.  Ask yourself, exactly what am I doing, and is this in line with my true allegiances?

Falsehoods and deceptions delivered at the behest of political pressures are assurances that you are in the wrong place at the wrong time doing the wrong thing.  Additionally, you may be acting contrary to your true duties, serving the wrong people, to the detriment of those you initially swore to serve.

Admiral Kirby, meet James Clapper and Susan Rice (on Benghazi, on Bergdahl).  Your job is not to “save the bridge,” but to serve the nation and the public.  Be certain.