As a federal employee, I was bound by the Hatch Act to remain non-political. When I retired after 32+ years of service, the gloves came off and I could do all of the partisan political fighting that I wanted. And that was plenty, as it was Drumpf 1.0.
Yes. I had 49 years federal service. (I started three months after graduating high school at age 18, retiring at age 67.). I served 19 years in non appropriated funds DOD (OH, The stories I could tell about the U.S. Navy.) and the rest in civil service. I am still trying to find my political voice.
William, I hope you will find your voice partly by sharing your knowledge, stories and perspective in the comments here on Contrarian and elsewhere. Few people, unless they have been federal employees themselves, understand the unique challenges and rewards of working for the federal government.
I have never worked in government but I have had a long career in both the medical and scientific fields as well as my most recent academia. Since the overturning of Roe v Wade, I understand with great fear and trepidation that if the FDA is goaded into withdrawing mifepristone or other medicines for no good reasons how catastrophic that can be not only for obstetrical patients but also for other patients as well. I never thought I would live during a time like this when psychopaths are running our government. Education is one area that is very near and dear to me. The thoughts of our kids not getting the best of the best in education is extremely worrisome to me when they are the future of our country. Why axe the DOE when we should be making it better? Why do we tolerate misogyny in its many forms in our country? Why are we tolerating Christian nationalism when it is the one thing that will bring the downfall of our country. Perhaps if we fight like hell we can have a renaissance in America. America should be an ideal the world strives for.
Good for you to use your voice in a positive manner during such an awful time for our country. As a retired librarian I wasn't so surprised but was sickened to see the link regarding museums and libraries.
Public employees in environmental/natural resources/public health fields, including individuals still working for the federal government, can have their voices amplified by working with the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), whether openly or anonymously: https://peer.org/about-us/how-we-work/
Facts from the inside about what's happening are very valuable.
Yes! We need to know, in these times, just how distorted our government is becoming. And the best way is to contrast that with how an effective, public-serving government operates, and how that benefits every citizen. There is enormous misperception in America about what government is and does, thanks to decades of anti-government propaganda. Keep up the good work, and here's hoping you inspire others to join you!
I retired in 2016 after 36 years—military and civilian—as an Air Force attorney. I do comment on Facebook to correct misstatements and to comfort those in fear.
I hope federal workers will keep records, even if it's under the table. The administration appears anxious to control what information is released. Have political appointees put their fingers on the scales of the inflation numbers? The employment report? The GDP? Civil servants may not be able to prevent that under the current regime, but they can document it. If and when this nightmare ends, their testimony may be important.
We routinely thank military veterans for their service. But you federal employees, and especially now former employees who are speaking out, rarely receive such thanks. So let me say it: thank you for your service!
As a federal employee, I was bound by the Hatch Act to remain non-political. When I retired after 32+ years of service, the gloves came off and I could do all of the partisan political fighting that I wanted. And that was plenty, as it was Drumpf 1.0.
Yes. I had 49 years federal service. (I started three months after graduating high school at age 18, retiring at age 67.). I served 19 years in non appropriated funds DOD (OH, The stories I could tell about the U.S. Navy.) and the rest in civil service. I am still trying to find my political voice.
William, I hope you will find your voice partly by sharing your knowledge, stories and perspective in the comments here on Contrarian and elsewhere. Few people, unless they have been federal employees themselves, understand the unique challenges and rewards of working for the federal government.
I learned two things over my career. One. Civil servants are talented and hard working. Two. More people than you think appreciate us.
Yes! We would love to learn more about our government’s day-to-day efforts that make our lives easier. And thank you for doing what you do.
I have never worked in government but I have had a long career in both the medical and scientific fields as well as my most recent academia. Since the overturning of Roe v Wade, I understand with great fear and trepidation that if the FDA is goaded into withdrawing mifepristone or other medicines for no good reasons how catastrophic that can be not only for obstetrical patients but also for other patients as well. I never thought I would live during a time like this when psychopaths are running our government. Education is one area that is very near and dear to me. The thoughts of our kids not getting the best of the best in education is extremely worrisome to me when they are the future of our country. Why axe the DOE when we should be making it better? Why do we tolerate misogyny in its many forms in our country? Why are we tolerating Christian nationalism when it is the one thing that will bring the downfall of our country. Perhaps if we fight like hell we can have a renaissance in America. America should be an ideal the world strives for.
Good for you to use your voice in a positive manner during such an awful time for our country. As a retired librarian I wasn't so surprised but was sickened to see the link regarding museums and libraries.
Thank you for this. Right now, as a former Federal employee, I feel pretty demoralized.
Public employees in environmental/natural resources/public health fields, including individuals still working for the federal government, can have their voices amplified by working with the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), whether openly or anonymously: https://peer.org/about-us/how-we-work/
Facts from the inside about what's happening are very valuable.
Yes! We need to know, in these times, just how distorted our government is becoming. And the best way is to contrast that with how an effective, public-serving government operates, and how that benefits every citizen. There is enormous misperception in America about what government is and does, thanks to decades of anti-government propaganda. Keep up the good work, and here's hoping you inspire others to join you!
I retired in 2016 after 36 years—military and civilian—as an Air Force attorney. I do comment on Facebook to correct misstatements and to comfort those in fear.
I hope federal workers will keep records, even if it's under the table. The administration appears anxious to control what information is released. Have political appointees put their fingers on the scales of the inflation numbers? The employment report? The GDP? Civil servants may not be able to prevent that under the current regime, but they can document it. If and when this nightmare ends, their testimony may be important.
We routinely thank military veterans for their service. But you federal employees, and especially now former employees who are speaking out, rarely receive such thanks. So let me say it: thank you for your service!