Letter: Affect change from the bottom up

Regarding "Editorial: Encouraging mediocrity": Agency heads ARE important, but the REAL impact is down at the working level.  I once worked for a major defense contractor, and was involved in producing a guide to promote "interoperability" among the proverbial "first responders."  I have over
30 years experience with land-mobile radio systems, and my office mate had about the same amount.  Since we did not completely overlap in experience, both of us together amounted to about 45 to 50 years of experience. Against our joint advice, the task manager, who knew
virtually nothing about LMR, delivered a document to the customer (DHS) that was over 80 percent untrue and incorrect. I objected, and eventually escalated this issue to the CEO. Nothing was done. 

I then e-mailed the IG of DHS, followed by the Justice Dept -- as this affair verged very closely on criminal fraud.  Nobody ever contacted me, and (to the best of my knowledge) nothing was ever done. Now consider the position of first responders at the NEXT 9/11, who STILL won't be able to talk to each other -- thanks to my employer. Cheers.

Anonymous

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