A country is only as good as its officials

In the classic tale Gulliver’s Travels, written by Jonathan Swift and published in 1726, Gulliver travels to the land of Lilliput. There he learns that “ when a great office is vacant… five or six candidates petition the emperor to entertain his Majesty and the court with a dance on the rope; and whoever jumps the highest without falling, succeeds in the office.” Swift discusses other equally silly competitions for high positions. At no time was there any attempt to select candidates with the ability to perform in the position.

A government appointee performs an important role because he effectuates good government policies. The appointee’s attitude and ability affects immeasurably how the laws are carried out and the direction that the country will move in.

At times I question the manner in which these officials are selected. Is there a criteria that the candidates must meet? Or are they simply selected because they assisted the winning candidate or are a family member? When we elect a governor, he becomes a symbol of our aspirations for the future. Therefore when he selects his top aides, does the governor consider whether these officials will propagate his goals and the will of the people who voted him into office?

We should be concerned because these officials in turn select directors and department chiefs who in turn control the regular employees. It follows that the official will hire only personnel who reflect his attitudes and devotion to public service. Therefore, unless the official is highly professional and literate in his role, the entire department becomes ineffectual.

Most of the current officials are well educated and dedicated to performing their responsibilities. I do question though how one or two were selected because they seem to do nothing. In the case of good appointees who are not performing too well, it is because they are either hindered or discouraged from creating innovative programs. Their morale is low. It’s not their fault, but that of a leader without a vision.

Today people are unhappy with services performed by many government employees. It appears obvious that these employees do not feel dedicated to their jobs, and in too many cases are unqualified for the positions they hold. As a result service is poor and what is given is grudgingly done.

A person will work only to his optimum when he feels appreciated and motivated to do a good job. However if left alone, he will sink to the level his superior allows him to.
Unless he has a specific goal to attain, he will simply gyrate towards performing as little as he can.

We, the citizens, must tolerate this incompetency while being required to pay additional fees for any service received from them. I recall when many government services were free, but now we must pay a fee for any request. Citizens and businesses are forced to pay more money for less service received than ever before. While taxes have not been raised, government service fees have skyrocketed. This is an indirect form of taxation!

Question whether what I am writing is true or fiction. The next time you request service from a government agency, think about my comments. Are you forced to pay an unreasonable fee? Are you pleased with the service you received? If not, who should be blamed: the employee, the appointed official or the leader?

Only a strong leader with visions can select good men to follow him. Officials and lower ranking employees will perform only as good as the leader. Think about it! Have a good day, neighbor.