Many good people work for the government. But just as many people are there because of their political connections. At every level government, there is what is known as political patronage. At every level of government jobs are given to friends, families, donors, political supporters, and friends and allies of each of the above. That’s how government works, that’s how people get elected. I think the expression is to the winner goes to spoils. So you end up with a lot of unqualified people in government. Add to that public employee unions, and you’ll find that it’s virtually impossible to get rid of bad employees. Elon Musk just found this out.
Having worked in both the public and private sectors, here are some observations:
Public sector patronage jobs are basically at the top levels, very public facing positions. There are a whole host of experts supporting them.
Private sector ‘friend of the boss’ jobs also exist to a lesser extent, but exists at all levels.
It is very difficult to let go of a sub par employee in the public sector because of the union and resulting management laziness.
It’s much easier to let go of a sub par employee in the private sector.
Private sector employees are generally on board for the mission of the business.
Public sector employees are almost all completely dedicated to the common good of the people in our country they ultimately work for and are passionate about the mission of their work.
No data here- just personal observation and experience.
Much more uplifting explanation - Painting everyone with the same brush only diminishes all of us - after all, thats what TACO does many times a day - because he doesnt know any better! (I know - there are other reasons too, but that one fits)
The only time Musk rooted out fraud and abuse is when he resigned. The whole civil service is structured is so that lower level people are hired and kept on merit and that political patronage is mostly limited to higher ranking positions (Pendleton Act). By all means, provide any proof or concrete evidence to contrary, but I have a hard time believe any NPS park ranger or NWS meterologist or NIH scientist is there because of "political connections."
" It’s about our entire country losing faith in the importance of expertise that’s wielded in service of the greater good." Unfortunately this is not a side effect but the strategy of the right wing. How often we hear things like "that's what they want you to believe" or "you actually believe the government" or "I've done my on research" that amounts to reading propaganda on the internet. How or why else would anyone deny climate change, vaccines, the 2020 election, acid rain, and a whole host of damages that have been prevented by "the doctors and nurses who care for us in our worst moments, the lawyers who stand up for equal rights and the rule of law, the scientists and public health workers who are trying to slow global warming or prevent the next pandemic,".
...RFK, Jr. That apple fell FAR from the tree: and is, apparently, rotten to its core / -thus, he is a perfect ingredient for the poison trump and Project-2025 's demented social scientists have long been preparing: and are currently force-feeding us...
Congratulations to the beautiful young couple. They sound absolutely amazing together as a team. How wonderful Isabel got to meet Gillian in person that one weekend. Really meaningful. Best wishes to all!
While I am disgusted with the cuts from the Trump/Stefanik/Stec/Simpson cuts I find it difficult to find empathy for the very folks who are responsible for all of this mayhem via their unwavering Republican loyalty. From the North Country folks and Lake George businesses whining about the loss of Canadian business to the rural airports losing funding and the health care folks facing turmoil it is simple to find that the majority of those same folks stood side by side with Stefanik and Stec taking credit for funding they opposed and bills they voted against. Amid all of this crazy clown show if you ask those folks complaining if they still supported the molesting orange clown they would say yes. Nuts, huh.
Yup. I just read an article about rural Kentucky and the danger the people face from flooding, even more so now with souped up storms from climate change, and less advance warning and less help from FEMA thanks to indiscriminate cutting of workers and budgets. And they still support Trump. How bad does it have to get before they see reality?
Thank you Ken for sharing your beautiful family with us-I love the fruitcake story and I am sure Gillian will be dancing with all of you at Joseph’s and Isabel’s wedding.
Thanks, Ken, for this morning’s edition. Again, so much to digest and to reflect on.
Congratulations to Joseph and Isabel. What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing. It’s wonderful that Gillian and Isabel had the opportunity to bond with each other. I can’t help but believe that Gillian is continuing with you all on the journey.
As to the Washington Post, is it possible that Eugene Robinson will soon be joining The Front Page staff?
Jill W’s piece is right on. MAGA is not just a threat to our democratic institutions, but also to the very fabric of our lives.
P.S. from one fruitcake to another, I like fruitcakes, especially with a good cup of coffee.
Your family stories amid the chaos we are all watching and living through are perfectly placed for reminding us that some things are just right in this world.
Life goes on. For better or worse is up to us. Glad to see you and yours choosing better. L’chaim!
Meditations Before Kaddish
WHEN I DIE give what's left of me away to children and old men that wait to die.
And if you need to cry, cry for your brother walking the street beside you.
And when you need me, put your arms around anyone and give them what you need to give me.
I want to leave you something, something better than words or sounds.
Look for me in the people I've known or loved, and if you cannot give me away,
at least let me live in your eyes and not in your mind.
You can love me best by letting hands touch hands, and by letting go of children that need to be free.
Love doesn't die, people do.
So, when all that's left of me is love, give me away.
Many good people work for the government. But just as many people are there because of their political connections. At every level government, there is what is known as political patronage. At every level of government jobs are given to friends, families, donors, political supporters, and friends and allies of each of the above. That’s how government works, that’s how people get elected. I think the expression is to the winner goes to spoils. So you end up with a lot of unqualified people in government. Add to that public employee unions, and you’ll find that it’s virtually impossible to get rid of bad employees. Elon Musk just found this out.
Having worked in both the public and private sectors, here are some observations:
Public sector patronage jobs are basically at the top levels, very public facing positions. There are a whole host of experts supporting them.
Private sector ‘friend of the boss’ jobs also exist to a lesser extent, but exists at all levels.
It is very difficult to let go of a sub par employee in the public sector because of the union and resulting management laziness.
It’s much easier to let go of a sub par employee in the private sector.
Private sector employees are generally on board for the mission of the business.
Public sector employees are almost all completely dedicated to the common good of the people in our country they ultimately work for and are passionate about the mission of their work.
No data here- just personal observation and experience.
Much more uplifting explanation - Painting everyone with the same brush only diminishes all of us - after all, thats what TACO does many times a day - because he doesnt know any better! (I know - there are other reasons too, but that one fits)
The only time Musk rooted out fraud and abuse is when he resigned. The whole civil service is structured is so that lower level people are hired and kept on merit and that political patronage is mostly limited to higher ranking positions (Pendleton Act). By all means, provide any proof or concrete evidence to contrary, but I have a hard time believe any NPS park ranger or NWS meterologist or NIH scientist is there because of "political connections."
" It’s about our entire country losing faith in the importance of expertise that’s wielded in service of the greater good." Unfortunately this is not a side effect but the strategy of the right wing. How often we hear things like "that's what they want you to believe" or "you actually believe the government" or "I've done my on research" that amounts to reading propaganda on the internet. How or why else would anyone deny climate change, vaccines, the 2020 election, acid rain, and a whole host of damages that have been prevented by "the doctors and nurses who care for us in our worst moments, the lawyers who stand up for equal rights and the rule of law, the scientists and public health workers who are trying to slow global warming or prevent the next pandemic,".
Your column made me cry then made me laugh. Emotions all over the board on this one.
Same here!
🫶
Thank you Ken.
I always love and look forward to your insightful and meaningful columns!
Read this through watery eyes. I Miss Gillian. I know Isabel will be a blessing to your son. Thank you for sharing.
And whatever will we do to support our elderly after these cuts mentioned in your next story?
...RFK, Jr. That apple fell FAR from the tree: and is, apparently, rotten to its core / -thus, he is a perfect ingredient for the poison trump and Project-2025 's demented social scientists have long been preparing: and are currently force-feeding us...
Congratulations to the beautiful young couple. They sound absolutely amazing together as a team. How wonderful Isabel got to meet Gillian in person that one weekend. Really meaningful. Best wishes to all!
While I am disgusted with the cuts from the Trump/Stefanik/Stec/Simpson cuts I find it difficult to find empathy for the very folks who are responsible for all of this mayhem via their unwavering Republican loyalty. From the North Country folks and Lake George businesses whining about the loss of Canadian business to the rural airports losing funding and the health care folks facing turmoil it is simple to find that the majority of those same folks stood side by side with Stefanik and Stec taking credit for funding they opposed and bills they voted against. Amid all of this crazy clown show if you ask those folks complaining if they still supported the molesting orange clown they would say yes. Nuts, huh.
Yup. I just read an article about rural Kentucky and the danger the people face from flooding, even more so now with souped up storms from climate change, and less advance warning and less help from FEMA thanks to indiscriminate cutting of workers and budgets. And they still support Trump. How bad does it have to get before they see reality?
Thank you Ken for sharing your beautiful family with us-I love the fruitcake story and I am sure Gillian will be dancing with all of you at Joseph’s and Isabel’s wedding.
Thanks, Ken, for this morning’s edition. Again, so much to digest and to reflect on.
Congratulations to Joseph and Isabel. What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing. It’s wonderful that Gillian and Isabel had the opportunity to bond with each other. I can’t help but believe that Gillian is continuing with you all on the journey.
As to the Washington Post, is it possible that Eugene Robinson will soon be joining The Front Page staff?
Jill W’s piece is right on. MAGA is not just a threat to our democratic institutions, but also to the very fabric of our lives.
P.S. from one fruitcake to another, I like fruitcakes, especially with a good cup of coffee.
Your family stories amid the chaos we are all watching and living through are perfectly placed for reminding us that some things are just right in this world.
What a wonderful, heartwarming story to wake up to! Thanks for sharing.
Every happiness them and you as future F.I.L. Dust off that tux and let the adventure begin.