Credit where it's due

Last week was Public Service Recognition Week.

And we get the feeling from the tepid response from readers that not many feds were moved by the fact.

One reader commenting on a Federal Daily article on PSRW stated that he had worked for the federal government for 28 years and had never even heard of it.

Other readers commenting on stories noted that there were no public service recognition events planned at their agencies. And a few derided the whole idea, especially amid the current legislative wrangling over federal employee pay and benefits.

In other words, eyes were rolled.

In fairness, we should mention that many of the top officials who directly participated in the events have been among the leaders who have been the most vocal in defending federal employees against the mischaracterizations (overpaid, underworked, etc.) that have been encouraged by some members of Congress and the media.

And the nonprofit groups that advocate for public service (the groups behind efforts like PSRW) have done their fair share, too. They essentially serve as the public workforce’s ambassadors to the private sector. One of their key messages over the past year has been that—while public servants are a dedicated bunch—the government still gets what it pays for: Pay and benefits cuts are not the way to go.

So, while many feds may have been unaware of the past week honoring public service, we give these folks credit for recognizing your work during a time when plenty of other people aren’t.