How does it happen that the most intractable types always rise to the top?

One could not always put safety up front as the prime goal. Do that, and who would ever achieve anything of note?

Sometimes the cost of integrity is the loss of a friend.

So we have progressed to the point where we can move politicians around faster than light. I'm not sure I see the advantage.

If you want data to survive, carve it in rock.

Faith is conviction without evidence, and sometimes even in the face of contrary evidence. In some quarters, this quality is perceived as a virtue.

The term congressional hearing is an oxymoron. No congressional hearing is ever called to gather information. Rather, it is an exercise designed strictly for posturing, by people who have already made up their minds, looking for ammunition to support their positions.