Chester A. Arthur: Foppish Dupe or Father of the Deep State?

 Andrew C. McCarthy's Views on "Russia-gate"

- Condemns the weaponization of government related to "Russia-gate. "

- Believes accountability for key figures (John Brennan, James Comey) is unlikely through criminal law.

- Expresses hope that McCarthy is wrong but acknowledges his insight.

- Attributes this to the insular nature of the federal bureaucracy and the Deep State.

Historical Context: Chester A. Arthur

- Chester A. Arthur became president after Garfield's assassination.

- Known as “The Gentleman Boss,” he was skilled in political patronage.

- Dr. Justus Doenecke noted Arthur’s extensive administrative experience.

- Surprised contemporaries by signing the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883.

The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act

- Written by Democratic Senator George Pendleton.

- Established a five-member examination board for federal appointments.

- Banned salary kickbacks and required merit-based advancement.

Interpretations of Arthur's Actions

- Arthur's signing of the act seen as panic after mid-term election losses.

- It is debated if he was manipulated by Democrats.

- Dr. Doenecke points out limitations of the act; it wasn’t retroactive.

- Critics viewed the act as favoring incumbent Republicans despite its intent.

Arthur's True Intentions

- Arthur aimed to protect GOP patronage rather than genuinely reform.

- Became a key figure in establishing a bureaucratic system more focused on insularity than accountability.

- His actions began the rise of the federal bureaucracy as an unaccountable entity.

Progressives and the Federal Bureaucracy

- Progressives built upon Arthur’s civil service reforms, promoting elitist governance.

- The federal bureaucracy today often politicizes and weaponizes its power.

- Many Democrats in bureaucracy gain protections, undermining elected officials’ agendas.

Challenges for “Our Democracy”

- Unaccountability of bureaucrats poses risks for democracy.

- Calls for criminal accountability for Deep State figures are difficult to achieve.

- Suggests remedies require new civil statutes rather than reliance on criminal law.

- Emphasizes that bipartisan reforms often lead to unresolved issues.

Final Thoughts

- Critiques Chester A. Arthur’s legacy as damaging to current governance structure. 

https://amgreatness.com/2025/07/19/chester-a-arthur-foppish-dupe-or-father-of-the-deep-state/