Part 9/13:
Throughout the discussion, there's an emphasis on the nature of these institutions. Critics suggest that many who serve in organizations like the FBI are "institutionalists" or "establishment operatives," primarily committed to protecting the existing power structures rather than advancing partisan agendas. These individuals often resist political interference, making meaningful reform challenging—even with a political mandate from voters.
An illustrative example is the successful identification and capture of the January 6 pipe bomber—an achievement that some believe boosted Banino’s reputation, as he played a key role in that investigation. Such successes highlight a different dimension of the agency's potential, contrasting with the broader narrative of dysfunction and bias.