There is much uncertainty over what tomorrow may bring as the federal government begins work under a new administration. Some are happy about this change and are hoping to see promises made, now kept. Others are fearful of what keeping those promises might mean for our country.
Standing in the breach of these deep divisions are our nation’s career federal employees, who have taken an oath of service - not to any administration or elected official - but to “preserve, protect, and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
While our values and views are just as diverse as the rest of the country, on the job we are bound by honor and law to remain above politics. We are subject to principles of ethical conduct that demand we fight back against waste, abuse and corruption.
No human endeavor is perfect and this is certainly true of the federal government, but in all of our diverse offices and agencies, America’s career civil servants operate through procedures meant to ensure accuracy and impartiality (still working on efficiency - we’ll get there).
We are a pillar of stability in uncertain times such as these.
Have faith. On Monday, nearly 3 million federal colleagues, scattered across America and around the world will return to work. That’s nearly three million of us who take tremendous pride in the fact in our public service is a public trust.
We took the oath.
Please spread the word.
1/20/17