I have a personal interest in the "Maturing Workforce." I joined IBM so late that, according to my benefit calculations, after I die I still have to work six years. ISeriously, I'm a native Washingtonian. In Washington, it's not only the Redskins who are maturing. The federal government is, too. In fact, a huge percentage of federal workers -- I believe it's more than 60 percent -- are eligible to retire in the next five years. That's going to create a "brain drain" in one of the key institutions that itself is trying to solve the problems of aging baby-boomers: pending retirement, diminished social security funds and spiraling health-care costs. I can see it now. Concerned citizen calls Help Desk at Government Agency: Citizen: "What are we going to do about our retirement, social security and health care systems?" Agency: "Beats us. All the people with expertise in that area have retired." Citizen: "Any idea who might help me?" Agency: "Umm, maybe you'd better ring someone in Florida." Seriously, this is important stuff. Yet I'm amazed by the apparent lack of concern from some of the highest officials here in DC. Prime Example: This Monday, presidential advisor Andrew Card took what I considered a cheap shot at federal government service, not only for the mature but for the young. He told a group of 2000 interns -- some of the best and brightest in the country, that (this directly from the Washington Post), "There are many programs for young people to have employment opportunities, but the greatest employment opportunities in our society come through the private sector," said Card, a former vice president of General Motors Corp. and ex-president of the American Automobile Manufacturers Association. "And so I don't think that everyone who is looking for a job should expect or even want a job with the federal government or one of our agencies. In fact, our economy would not do very well if people just worked for the government." Seems to me that if we're about to lose massive numbers of federal workers, and their knowledge, these smart young people are exactly the ones we want in government. Compare Mr. Card's comments to those of Clay Johnson. Clay is deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget (i.e. Head U.S. Personnel Honcho). Mr. Johnson is out drumming up support for the "Working for America Act," a bill that would reform federal government personnel rules to "require agencies to better manage, develop and reward employees." Hmm -- better management. Better development. Better reward. Find creative ways to retain and keep employees in federal service (not servitude). Certainly we don't want everyone working for the government. And thanks, Mr. Card, for your endorsement of the private sector. But the reality is that civil employees over the past 20 years have become far more than "servants." They are professionals whose expertise we can scarcely afford to lose. As for me, I give the better approach to Mr. Johnson. "Hail to Clay." And well, at least "Good luck" to the 'Skins.
-- Andy Kendzie, Public Sector Communications Director, IBM
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