Reviving a Passion for Anonymity

The Brownlow Commission during Franklin Roosevelt's administration noted the need for presidential aides who had a passion for anonymity. We've gone a long way since those days and not to the credit of many a presidential advisor.

I don't want to know which Kennedy or Reagan speechwriter wrote which famous lines. Those who don't take credit deserve praise. They understand that it is the President's speech and not theirs.

You can split seconds in how quickly many will scoff at such a quaint view but while all jobs carry an unwritten requirement to make the boss look good, some possess that more than others. The more sensitive and important the occasion, the more the staff needs to step into the shadows.

The best work is often done - and kept - behind the scenes.