YETMO

“Today We Celebrate” (Week of July 10 – 14, 2006)

What’s not to celebrate? Tax season is over (except for a few procrastinators; last day is actually October 15th). School’s out. And it’s Bastille Day today, July 14th.

My family often wonders why I remember that day given that it is France’s Independence Day and not ours. [At least I also remember ours.] Some school teacher – a member of the local government’s executive branch – must have deeply impressed me with whatever he or she said about July 14th. My recollection is not due to being a Francophile. I’m not one. Besides, I nearly flunked French in 8th grade. Go figure.

Back in the U.S., this is as good a time as any to recognize, honor, and celebrate the acts of millions of federal, state, and local government workers who make our daily lives better.

One reason the Understanding Government Foundation exists is to share information about government work not only so we can appreciate what is being accomplished through our tax dollars, but also to objectively and honestly discuss and assess what can be done to make government function even better.

In addition, this week the Council for Excellence in Government hosted an event where, in conjunction with the Ash Institute of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, stellar government programs and people were feted.

This article is not about the deserving individuals involved in these wonderful programs, but rather the work-a-day government grunts, and their private sector (contractors) compatriots, who keep everything afloat.

Consider those who pave our roads or fix nettlesome potholes. Value the police and firefighters who protect us around the clock. Applaud the courage and compassion of the EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) who first responds to tragedies in our homes, on the road, or wherever they occur. Thank the military, Defense, and Homeland Security Department staffs for striving to stay one step ahead of those wishing us harm.

It’s hard to imagine any part of our daily lives which is not affected – and served – by executive branch workers. Go to the grocery store, and buy some meat. We entrust our health and well-being to Department of Agriculture inspectors to ensure that the food is safe. Purchase some prescription drugs. Our friends at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are on-the-job safeguarding the quality and effectiveness of medical goods. FDA is even there to remind us, through nutritional labels, how bad for our health are those delicious cookies, candies, and snack foods.

I could go on, but you’ve undoubtedly got the point.

Each day we are helped by those in government who often are maligned as malingers, labeled as lazy, and insulted as incompetent. Such generalized characterizations, of course, are unfair, inaccurate, and inappropriate. On the whole, the reason our governments (federal, state, and local) function as well as they do is because of the skill and dedication of the managers, employees, and contractors, who pull together to work for the public good.

Yep, it’s time to celebrate. Be joyous. Exult.

Vive la government workers.

And Happy Bastille Day, too, for whatever it’s worth.