A Path Towards Steady and Humane Government

[Chad Stimson (NASA)]

As we continue deeper into the longest (partial) shutdown of our Government in history, I'd like to take some time to think about what this means for our Republic outside of the current policy debate. I am a furloughed federal employee. I am an engineer-turned-project-manager at NASA and I love my mission. I pour myself into into it despite the guarantee of higher pay in the private sector, where I worked for several years. 

This isn't about me or any particular individual in any other Agency of the US. I'd like to talk about the Constitution, the separation of powers defined within, and what we might do, or should do, as private citizens when American citizens that serve this country are used as bargaining chips, or worse - forced to work for free. It's important to note that the prospect of backpay does not help those less fortunate than myself that are early in their career or perform dignified, but low-wage jobs, and cannot drain their (likely) small emergency funds whenever the Executive and Legislative Branches cannot agree on basic policy. 

Obviously this discussion may dovetail into the current situation, and that's okay because it's relevant. But I'd like to focus on how we, as citizens of this great republic, can "lead from behind" when those in the front are failing. 

Sincerely,
Chad Stimson
NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA

[mynewunit]

This is a great topic. I think this is a frustration due the lack of ability to limit control any spending way in any actual manner. I would say it is the lack of decentralized command, in a manner that nearly every department is a net costs and there is no revenue balance.