As we consider the incoming Trump administration and the threats to take retribution against federal workers, let’s take a step back and look to our better angels.
The first reason to treat federal workers fairly is the most important one: government workers are our family members and friends, human beings with basic human rights — as if I should have to say this. They deserve to be treated with basic human decency and respect. Period, full stop.
The anger against them is woefully misplaced. They do the work our legislatures require based on laws we have elected them to enact. They provide critical services across the country. Federal workers in particular are being unfairly singled out. They are sworn to do their jobs without political bias and to support and defend the Constitution. They are obligated to blow the whistle on graft and malfeasance, to make sure our government serves us all fairly and honorably.
In my thirty-four years as a lawyer dealing with federal agencies and lawyers (and state ones too), I have found them to be professional, hardworking and committed to their jobs.
Of course we disagree at times. But it is wrong to demonize them. And like many of Trump’s anger-fueled ideas, it is short-sighted and against our collective self-interest. We are all entitled to the fair dispensation of government services, regardless of what political party or leader we support.
So, as we face the incoming administration, and blatant threats of illegal retaliation against specific federal workers, and threats against broad swaths of the career service, I for one want them to know I support you and am horrified by the language being directed at you, for just doing your jobs. You don’t deserve this. Decent people are with you in this.
Mike Zody, Salt Lake City
