“European” is the euphemism given to me by a Congressional staffer when he politely wanted to point out the unrepentant Socialists in Foggy Bottom.
Based on Mary’s resume, she was promoted by x42, who IMO never promoted except based on political viewpoint.
Is this a case of smearing Maura by media association?
I also note that Maura may well be conservative, since she actually resigned rather than milking the system for all she could get, and back-stabbed the President along the way.
Mary Ryan (now deceased) was a true professional, in my judgment. I suppose one could fault her approach to visa work in that security definitely played second fiddle to maximizing easy availability of visas — but admittedly this was in the pre-9/11 world. Mary paid the price by being fired (by Colin Powell) in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
I would also note that Mary served as Assistant Secretary for nine years. I think that’s much too long for anyone, no matter how good they are, to serve in such a job. By the time she left, Mary had formed a “personality cult” around her in Consular Affairs, which isn’t good in any organization.