I have argued with my friends all week about how scandalous the events of this week really are, but truth be told, I am embarrassed. Ethical behavior at work seems to be difficult to find these days. So why should it be any different for Feds? It turns out that the actual reason comes down to Chapter 5 of United States Code section 3331 which requires each Federal employee to state the oath. On 17 September 2009, I stated:
I, Patrick Martin, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
So that didn't happen for a bunch of people in this town and it came out in different places this week. I am not always a model employee. I get frustrated, I tire of regulation, and there are days I don't want to work as hard as I can, but I try to remember that most Americans don't respect Federal workers. I try to display the integrity that I believe the office demands. I take personally the failure of Federal employees and while I work with some truly dedicated and professional folks, we can certainly do better.
So I'm not going to defend the actions of Federal Workers today. I am going to try to be more passionate and work harder. I am thankful for my job and believe that the furloughs that I am to serve upcoming is a way for me to do my part for the deficit. Now...everyone. Turn off the news. Get back to work.
