|
The interesting points of view about the "Homeland Security" and the Coast Guard while exhibiting legitimate frustration about our loss of freedom, It is quite natural that the people expect the government to make us socially secure, regulate our drugs and food, keep us safe from foreign foes, would expect them to protect us from foes at home. This government has coasted along for over two centuries doing all but the latter. They have builded us a dam, flood control and revetment system costing billions of dollars and caused controls to be put in place that have all but eliminated accidents on the river...except in the case of REAL stupidity. That these people do as well as they do, being usually paid significantly less than those in the industries they requlate is something of a miracle. I have never been a member of, or employee of, any regulatory agency, but, believe me, I have been under the jurisdiction of both OSHA and EPA as an environmental manager for a large chemical plant. Like Don, I have met some of the most dedicated personnel in my professional life as members of such agencies. Yes, there are the stupid ones, the thoughtless ones and those who were merely using the agency as a stepping stone to a better paying job. I have been generally treated by them with the respect that was a reflection of that I accorded them. They have a tough, nasty and, at times, impossible job to do with the resources alloted them. I could flesh out the above anecdotes with any number of tales that would reinforce the stupidity factor, but I do enjoy cleaner air, more fishable, swimable waters and the greater safety accorded workers by OSHA NIOSH and other agencies. I say, give them a break and cut them some slack...after all, they DO HAVE the authority to enforce far more stringently than they do. It is well to rmemeber, and sometimes to remind them, that it is US that they are working for and by the consent of US, the governed. We are the ones who elected the folks who passed the laws we are soometimes railing against. WE are the ones who are responsible for that!
|
|
