Government Continuity Should be Simple, Simple

We all learned in elementary school that the U.S. government is "for the people and by the people." What a beautifully simple idea. Too bad it's not this way in practice.

I have lot's of experience with the government and I can tell you that civil servants take their responsibilities very seriously - for the most part. It's just that the notion of continuity has gotten lost since the 1980's, and it's continuity that keeps the governmental services we all enjoy flowing despite changes in the political power structure.

In the past, changing presidential administrations didn't change the work being done in the various federal agencies. Only the responsibility for providing responsible oversight changed hands. Things kept running according to well thought through and approved plans.

Not today. Every new team wants to leave their mark on society. So, they change the plans to reflect their thoughts and desires. Well, one fault of government at all levels is things change slowly. This is due to having split components that we call "checks and balances." One part of the government asks for money for programs and another decides how much money to give out and which programs are needed. At the Federal level, this process takes a minimum of two years to work through. So, every four years we get new leadership and they want to change direction. It then takes another two years to get the money to do the programs and initiatives this new group is sponsoring. By then, we have another election underway, and possibly another group taking office when the programs of the former group are just getting started.

It's a mess. A mess that results in declining levels of service, mass confusion within the government agencies, and lot's of room for fraud, waste, and abuse to occur amidst the confusion. One of the reasons things haven't completely gone to hell in a hand basket is due to the dedication and hard work of the career civil servants who maintain stability despite the changing political appointees. They've done a very good job over the last 20 years, but the odds are against them. Too many "old timers" are retiring to guarantee "continuity" for much longer.

Then what happens?

I think this will be the catalyst to change the entire government structure. The antiquated structures of the last hundred years have been failing to provide the agility and flexibility this country demands to operate in unstable and ever changing times.

I just hope we have self-less and courageous leaders who recognize this opportunity and do the right things. Else, this could be the end of our U.S. federal system that the founding fathers established. And, considering the alternative governing styles, I'm not sure we will recognize the America of the future.

Our current administration has been flagrantly arrogant in their quest to hasten the demise of the middle class. Why? Because it's to their advantage to have more space between their ruling class and the rest of the population. Most people don't see this coming -- that's why it's so easy. As long as we are fed, happy, and entertained most people won't complain. Oh yes, and we don't read anymore. We soak up the tidbits of nightly news from the TV, where the rich decide what news to publish. Sigh.

But, there is good news. Just don't take their word for anything. Find out for yourself. Talk with your relatives and friends about what is happening. Think! And, VOTE! And, get active in your community.

It's that simple, simple!