The Week in Comments: Postal angst, per diems and Oval Office decor
The best in reader reaction to recent articles.
A roundup of some of the comments received this week in the GovExec.com Mailbag. All comments are presented in their original, unedited form.
On GOP lawmaker calls for halt to federal 'spending spree'
More bloviation by our political masters. The reason America can't compete in manufacturing is that we can't pay less than a dollar an hour to workers and expect them to survive.
This freeze is not going far enough. The gov't should reduce the civilian workforce by 150,000, reduce all civil service pay by 10% and freeze salaries for 5 years. I'm a Republican and Boehner, Sarah Palin and Rand Paul all have the right idea. We should privatize social security and cut medicare/medicaid. The fat cat retirees are drawing way too much and they should make a sacrifice as well. I'm a federal employee too!
I agree - start by cutting all Federal spending in Ohio.
On Unions report increase in violent threats toward judges and court staff
Set up the courts in the state police barracks, local police stations, or better yet, prisons, and the judge participates via VTC.
To keep our judges honest and fair and objective, they must be provided with security. I am glad to hear they now will understand the need for unions.
On USPS pay-for-performance system called into question
They are paid too much as it is so why worry about a raise or bonus. If they aren't happy they can quit but I haven't heard anything about anyone quiting. This is just more fluf that needs to be deleted.
Sounds like the same problems that existed with NSPS. Of course, only those who received those huge payouts supported the program.
Our managers at USPS told us end of last FY that hardly anyone in our unit was getting a raise except a very few of the brightest shining stars. They lied. 57% of the office got raises, including all the managers. No one eligible for retirement (whether they were retiring or not) got a raise. Does that tell you something?
On Government per diem rates fall in most metro areas
Depending on your outlook, this lack of inflation, represented by dropping travel/lodging prices can be a large positive.
Good news indeed, but, as some have said, not enough. It is disturbing that the M&IE rate is staying the same. That's the money-maker for travelers. Heck, that's the objective for most. Maybe housing allowances will come down as well.
while you're at it, why not lower the meals and incidentals rate. Let's face it, most gov travellers are going to go to the major chain places to dine, chili's, unos, panera, you get the idea. Across the country these places are generally going to be about the same give or take a couple dollars.
On NRC again tops list of best places to work in government
Yes, FAA is always at the bottom because management cares about cutting deals with industry, not aviation safety. The management doesn't hold anyone accountable and promotes brown nosers.
Although it's good to see that the ratings are improving, a 65% average is nothing to brag about when a passing score is 70%. Hopefully, now that NSPS is gone, the ratings next year will be even higher.
HUD is in the cellar for a very good reason. Senior management (HQ) (particularly the new administration' team)is totally inept, and have created a horrible work environment. They will never admit to it, but rather place blame on mid-management. It all starts at the top, folks!
Tasteful and more contemporary than previous renovations, but bland. The quotes in the rug are a nice touch.
It does not look presidential. Not my taste.
The redocorated Oval Office looks fine to me -- and no one who's criticized it ever needs to see it. Even a cubicle-dweller like me gets to personalize his work space, so the POTUS should be cut some slack to do the same, particularly when it's on his nickel.
I think the Oval Office looks great - and whatever is pleasing to President Obama and his family is certainly fine with me. I especially like the rug with all the famous quotes--and they what I would expect from Pres. Obama. I wish he could be our President for 50 years!!!!!!!
On Postal Service looks for ways to reduce labor costs
Yeah, saying "We want more" is going to work real well for your members, Mr. Burrus. Jerks like you are why the public hates our guts right now.
Hey Burrus, Run that USPS right into the ground.. They are failing, trying to cut costs and yours is a typical response.. we want more, more, more, more.. Your wanting more over the years is part of the reason the USPS is in the shape its in. Get a clue, Bill !! Quote: "More -- more control over activities at work, more money, better benefits -- we want more," said Burrus. "We will try to fashion our proposals to reflect the entitlement to more."
The APWU is going to do for the USPS what the UAW has done for the auto industry. UPWU, if your goal is to cripple the industry you are on target! Well done.
NEXT STORY: NASA Offers Advice on Trapped Miners