A long time Federal employee (soon to be retired) here. I know this was just a bit of silly behavior done on the spur of a moment's impulse - but so often there is this underlying current of anger, hostility, or just pure frustration with the 'government.' It is no small feat to work for the Federal government when everything you do, or try to do, is never acceptable, fast enough, nor tailored to some individual's idea of how things "should be!" There are laws, there are laws implementing laws, regulations, policy letters, memos, division chiefs that have budget authority, their bosses that slash that budget, a congress that says who will get funds, on and on. It is the largest, probably the most convoluted bureaucracy in the world, and just gets worse everytime some interest group manages to get some bit of legislation inserted that gives them special access, funding, or rights, that others cannot have.
Balancing all of this madness is some poor smuck of an employee that is truely concerned about how their fellow citizens are being treated and attempt to make it as fair as possible (without violating some law, regulation, policy, or getting crosswise in some bosses butt). Yet, my peers are regularly abused, insulted, or subject to a complaint to a boss or congressperson. Some of this anger at the Federal gov resulted in the OKC bombing.
I know you were having fun, or expressing hidden frustration, but please believe me - I know of very few Federal employees that are there simply for the bread, it is a lifetime choice that they have made thinking that they are doing something positive for the better of this nation and the people (insert waving flag here). The government is huge, almost out of control, and can't seem to focus on its own citizens at the moment, but we all are the ones who make the multiplicity of laws, rules, etc., and then elect all of those that we charge with the responsibility of making even more laws and rules, or sending resources elsewhere in the world. It is a tough balancing act. Again - you were having fun - but such statements invariably draw conspiracy theorists, anti-goverment militias, and others, that can't tell the the difference between an authorization and an appropriation.
couzin wrote:
You all may tell me to lighten up now...
OK, I'll tell you to lighten up. This thread was directed at an individual who made posts indicitive of a person who thinks that the govt is out to get them.
It was intended to make fun of that person.
But if as a government employee you feel un or under-appreciated let me say, " I appreciate you"!
*CHL Instructor*
"Speed is Fine, but accuracy is final"- Bill Jordan
Remember those who died, remember those who killed them.