My father was a public servant too. I have worked in both state and federal resource management agencies as well as a couple of appointed positions.
You’re spot on about there being good people in public service and how easy it is to complain about bureaucrats rather than really solving problems. Unfortunately, at times the processes we come up with get in the way of accomplishing our goals. I remember that we “bureaucrats” often felt that we got things done in spite of the system, not because of it. There seems to be a sort of ratchet effect in government that creates increased levels of complication for accomplishing simple things. Between the political tug-of-war over budgets and priorities, and the complications of the administrative process, things get complicated.
What we need is to get all the people—bureaucrats, politicians, voters and taxpayers—together on one side of the proverbial table and our problems on the other. Then we can work together against our problems rather than working against one another.
Your words remind me to set my sights on those who inspire us. It's not wrong to give more than we take, to defend the defenseless, and to protect children of the future. That's love. Your father lives on in you, and any of us can learn his ways.
Thank you for, once again, expressing so eloquently the true purpose of public service. I enjoy reading your observations and intelligent comments so much. Thank you for YOUR contribution.,
Many years ago, I worked for the agency that is now the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The mission was, and remains, essential to the safety of all Hoosiers. The majority of my colleagues were dedicated, selfless (and quite underpaid) public servants, many coming from careers in the military or from years spent in law enforcement. This post reminds me how critical such professionals are to ensuring our country's well-being, and how often we take them for granted. I wish this post would somehow reach a wider readership. Thanks for the reminder, Dave.
Thank you for this defense and celebration of public servants.
My father was a public servant too. I have worked in both state and federal resource management agencies as well as a couple of appointed positions.
You’re spot on about there being good people in public service and how easy it is to complain about bureaucrats rather than really solving problems. Unfortunately, at times the processes we come up with get in the way of accomplishing our goals. I remember that we “bureaucrats” often felt that we got things done in spite of the system, not because of it. There seems to be a sort of ratchet effect in government that creates increased levels of complication for accomplishing simple things. Between the political tug-of-war over budgets and priorities, and the complications of the administrative process, things get complicated.
What we need is to get all the people—bureaucrats, politicians, voters and taxpayers—together on one side of the proverbial table and our problems on the other. Then we can work together against our problems rather than working against one another.
Your words remind me to set my sights on those who inspire us. It's not wrong to give more than we take, to defend the defenseless, and to protect children of the future. That's love. Your father lives on in you, and any of us can learn his ways.
Well said. Thank you.
Oh so true, Dave. How easy it is to label people!
Thank you for, once again, expressing so eloquently the true purpose of public service. I enjoy reading your observations and intelligent comments so much. Thank you for YOUR contribution.,
Many years ago, I worked for the agency that is now the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The mission was, and remains, essential to the safety of all Hoosiers. The majority of my colleagues were dedicated, selfless (and quite underpaid) public servants, many coming from careers in the military or from years spent in law enforcement. This post reminds me how critical such professionals are to ensuring our country's well-being, and how often we take them for granted. I wish this post would somehow reach a wider readership. Thanks for the reminder, Dave.