Local governments are wasteful and irresponsible. The Federal Government is down right incomprehensible when it comes to pissing away $$$$.

I agree. Like most things the solution is probably somwhere in the middle. There are some things that private industry should do and some things that government should do. Finding the right balance is difficult. I don't know exactly where it is either. I don't think saying government should do everything is the answer in the same way that I don't think saying there is no role for government is the answer. Either direction is radical. It's easy to get people to jump on that kind of bandwagon though (in either direction).

The pendulum swings too far one way and then the other. To much government so people cry for no government. Too little government and when something happens like a bunch of people get a food borne illness a bunch of people will say "why wasn't the government monitoring our food supply more closely"?

Kindof like the shooting does debate. You were once scoundrel for shooting one...then you were a scoundrel for not shooting every one you saw...now, what do you know, it looks like it is going to turn out that we should be somewhere in the middle.

6% max I think...and that doesn't change with tenure. All FERS employees (all of them hired in the last 25+ years) get 4 hrs Sick Leave per pay period...that never changes. New employees start off with 4 hrs Annual Leave(vacation) per pay period after 5yrs it gets bumped up to 6 hrs, and after 10 yrs 8 hrs per pay period.

Only a very few Fed Employees(judiciary) have had an annual raise in the last couple years...and even before that they weren't 5%...usually only 1-3%

Locality pay in DC doesn't even begin to cover the increased cost of living in the area...I wouldn't even attempt to raise a family there for 70K/year.
I would like to see the job announcement.

I have never heard of a signing bonus for Civilian Fed employees.

I think Dallas Counties buddy may have been exaggerating things a little.

Here are all of the Patent office Vacancies for civilians in the DC area that pay >60K:
http://www.usajobs.gov/JobSearch/Search/GetAdvancedResults

...some nice top end salaries but only a few top out over 100K.

There are many essential services that the fed Gubberment has to provide because Private industry could not burden the potential liability. Since yall have been discussing Meat inspection, I'll run with that example. If Meat-Packers Inc. sends out a lot of hotdogs tainted with botulism and a daycare of kids get sick and die...Meat-Packers Inc. Would go out of business due to all of the lawsuits. If they managed to stay in business, the price of hotdogs would have to go through the roof.

There are aspects of civilization where you don't want profit to be the deciding factor in decision making.

Nice job of editing my quote to take it out of context AND dodge the question in one swift move.

So, don't dodge the question: If you're going to make inane anarchist statements, then stand by them. Renounce all ties to commerce with the US (or any other government's) currency system and exist purely on barter. If you don't like the government so much, then live without it!

Be sure to forego protection of laws, the fire department, clean safe running water, pure food and drugs, and all these other silly things while you're at it.

Or are you just full of crap?

And ATC finally got raises these last three years, after being frozen in 2006-2009.

And who in their right mind would believe anything a Federal government employee who spends hours a day on the taxpayers payroll surfing a deer hunting site? You are the perfect example of government waste and it pisses me off that my tax dollars go to one that spends a sizable amount of the day on a non-business related internet site at the taxpayers expense.

Did you even read any of my posts? No, you're just inefficient like most of the government. You believe what you want and convince yourself it's okay to take that money and put it in your pocket regardless of the waste and corruption. I only cut out all the horseshit that made no sense at all. And while we are at it, please tell me how our so trustworthy and competent federal government can back the enormous liability it has? It can't and everyone but brainwashed people know it. What do you think would happen tomorrow if China called it's loans? Would you print more money?

Federal government employees, members of this site nonetheless have already documented that the Federal government does little if anything efficeintly which is my point. So if you plan to inject opinions in the thread, please take off your government issued panties and read the prior posts. Your not going to piss on everyone's back and wonder why they don't think its raining.

Most if not all of these valuable issues you bring to light are provided by the STATE or LOCAL government. And the FDA might be the most corrupt of all. And how did all that Pink Slime stuff get into all the schools? Again, go back and read my posts.

The weather is nice today. I'm not suprised BamaProud doesn't have much to do today. When a storm is coming. I'm glad he's there.

Same with firemen. Should we not have firemen because they only have to go to a fire occasionally? They are paid to be ready and to be there when we need them.

Really? Now that's a typical government attitude. Don't you think he could be doing SOMETHING? Do you think if he worked for a small family business that it would be okay to just slack off when the weather is nice? Research maybe, public involvement at schools or civic organizations?

Would you be okay if he played golf half a day when the weather is nice on the taxpayer tab? You're saying you would.

DC, I think .....I love you ......

On a serious note, I'm not surprised there are members here defending the government. People are scared shitless to think that it is completely inept and they might be left to fend for themselves. It's a defense mechanism , IMO.

Well, this is your statement I was referring to. You've had several people here who have buried you in this debate with this quotation.

Yes, the government is inefficient and at times wasteful. But to state that the government doesn't do anything meaningful and of substance and is made up of nothing but corrupt people is downright silly.

I would also contend that our great nation, the United States of America, by way of the United States government has been the single greatest [secular] force for good that the world has ever known.

Aught 6 ,I'd agree, up until the last 20+ years. Globalist and socialist have co-opted our government and only the ignorant and naive believe they are here for our benefit now.

Only those who derive their living from them or are scared to face reality would argue otherwise.

Benefits
At the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, you'll receive a comprehensive federal benefits package that rivals those offered by top US corporations. In fact, federal benefits are some of the most generous around - supporting your health and well-being, and your family's needs, while helping you to reach your personal financial goals. We understand how important a quality life and career is to you, and we want to expand the possibilities for you to make both as exciting and enjoyable as possible. Our balanced work-life package includes:

Relocation Assistance
Flexible Work Schedules
Paid Overtime and/or Compensatory Time
10 Paid Holidays Each Year
13 Days of Vacation Leave, and 13 Days of Sick Leave per Year (Vacation Leave Increases to 20 Days per Year After 3 Years of Service, and increases again to 26 Days per Year After 15 Years of Service)
Health Benefits Plan
Comprehensive Retirement Package
Business Casual Dress Policy
Transit Subsidy, including metro farecards.
Job Security

Who said anything about him playing golf on the job other than you?

If a storm comes up, do you want him to be speaking to the Rotary Club? How did he know the weather was nice other than to be there. I doubt he put out too many updates today or weather warnings, etc...he didn't have to.

What about a 911 operator? If they don't get a call all day do you want them to go speak to a civic club? Or if you are the one that calls, would you rather they be there waiting?

There are many, many jobs where people have highly specialized skills and are paid to be there when we need them.

I agree..........and about 98% of them are NOT Federal government employees.

Just a few posts up you said it wouldn't be OK in another business. Now you really have me confused.

There you go again. No one is defending the government.