Letters

Into the Woodshed

As one of many dads who are volunteer Boy Scout leaders, I say you owe us an apology. Boy Scouts of America is trying, like so many cultures both now and in years past, to help young boys grow into civilized and caring young men. Yes, they learn about organization versus chaos; yes, they learn about discipline versus confusion; yes, they learn about accomplishment, strong character, charity, helpfulness, teamwork, belief in a creator, respect for their elders and authority.

Take a look at the boys who have risen to the high ranks in Boy Scouts and tell me you wouldn't want your son or neighbor's son to be like them. Why the military orientation? Because it works. Turning boys, especially in these times, into good men is hard work. It is also our responsibility as men, as a society and as a country.

Strategic Shift

While AFGE's delegation to the Democratic Convention was smaller than in 2000, this reflects the union's strategic decision to focus fewer resources on national party conventions.

AFGE is engaged as never before to urge our members to learn about legislative and policy issues and how they affect their lives, and then to aggressively work to elect political leaders who will best serve their interests regardless of party affiliation. This shift in strategy has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of educated and politically active AFGE members, as well as a stronger union overall.

A Bridge Too Far

The major concern for those of us starting our careers is requirements versus pay. Take a GS-9, for example. If you do not have exacting knowledge of a specific area in a specific agency, then you must have a master's degree or higher. All of that for $36,000 to $47,000 per year (plus locality pay)? This is not realistic in today's world, especially if you live in or around the Washington area.

I have consistently heard the growing fears over the aging public-sector workforce, yet I have not heard of any move to truly modernize the entire process for hiring and paying mid-level public servants. I am still interested in a life of public service; however, under today's standards I will be forced to keep my private-sector position for the good of my family.