Somehow I don’t believe the vast majority of federal employees consider themselves a “ruling class.” Nor do I believe they act that way. Congress makes the the laws and mandates that agencies create regulations to comply with those laws. Yes, some high-level appointees are involved in that process and, in a way, “rule,”, but seriously do you think many federal employees actually have much say in what the rules are and how they are applied? This is the government for heaven’s sake – the typical federal employee can’t spend $100 on an over-priced private sector copier toner cartridge half the time without a fricken act of Congress.
Also, while federal employee compensation is certainly of concern considering the economy now, the snark of changing “earns” to “gets paid” and “workers” to “employees” does nothing to further your argument and only inflames passions. (Then again that’s what you want so bravo on accomplishing it.)
As to people going into the federal service not being as smart as those going into the private sector, well, I can’t wait to run into a smart customer service rep at Charter Cable, because frankly as far as I can tell they are are fricken brain dead. Same thing goes with the “high GPA” employees at most a dozen other private sector companies that the public has to deal with on a daily basis.
Everyone says all federal employees are lazy and stupid and corrupt, but they also know someone who is a federal employee and is the exception. That same employee loves to rail about how bad his or her co-workers are as a bonus I might add. Those same people love the military – all brave and smart individuals defending their country – but evidently as soon as those military members become vets and go to work in the government they suddenly get lazy, stupid, etc.
Frankly, I think government needs to be cut. We can’t afford everything we’re paying for. And that includes cutting federal employees. But articles like this, and the ignorant comments that cheer it on, don’t do anything but muddy the waters.
