tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7163441833245663827.post2346789698510017498..comments2024-03-28T10:49:14.510-05:00Comments on Horizons: "We Either Do It Ourselves, or Nobody Does"Nancy LeTourneauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614317154146836694noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7163441833245663827.post-18756450144986082882015-09-02T15:16:07.676-05:002015-09-02T15:16:07.676-05:00Actually, we used to open the federal jobs to poli...Actually, we used to open the federal jobs to political appointees. It was called the patronage system, and the abuses of it were what led to the creation of the civil service. The particular example you're using here really is more geared to what would be useful in this case, discrete and time-limited projects which require a short-term commitment. For a lot of other functions, there's a reason why you want experience and less turnover. Norbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11383422747683493947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7163441833245663827.post-81429174795731108352015-09-01T13:17:15.511-05:002015-09-01T13:17:15.511-05:00While I shudder about having a federal service wit...While I shudder about having a federal service with short term people - the loss of 'institutional knowledge' would be HUGE - there is an old precedent for a supplementary service. We once called them (sexist but realistic at the time) "Dollar a Year Men". They were people of great talent, drawn from business and industry among other fields, who offered their help for that token $1. Expanding this to a wider range of talent - who wants ONLY business people anymore? - is huge. They may need a bit more than $1 since they are not wealthy, but it is huge service of smart people with great gifts. Kudos to the Obama administration for understanding this. One of my own friends' husband is in this position, and his contributions to solving climate change are huge. This is a great idea in public service, recruitment of talent, and problem solving. I hope whoever the next president is continues this amazing help to us all.Churchlady320noreply@blogger.com