In 1958, a striking 75% of Americans had confidence in the federal government to consistently make the right decisions, according to the Pew Research Center. Today, however, that level of trust has plummeted to a mere 20%.
Lately, I have been contemplating the rising negativity surrounding government and reflecting on my own positive experiences within state government. I take pride in having contributed to the advancement of civil rights for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through my efforts, I aimed to bolster the essential role of government, shape its responsibilities, and ensure that public funds and resources were utilized effectively.
Government has a direct and indirect impact on our daily lives. We rely on public schools and universities to educate our youth, while police officers and firefighters provide us with security and protection around the clock. Our commercial activities are regulated by laws forged by elected leaders, and we depend on the administration of fair justice for all. Additionally, we seek out various public health services for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Ironically, public servants themselves, particularly elected officials and those vying for public office, contribute to the erosion of citizen trust in government through derogatory remarks. This antagonistic rhetoric dates back to President Ronald Reagan’s infamous declaration in 1981 that “government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” Such bombastic remarks fuel skepticism and undermine the trust in government as a source of solutions for societal issues.
The widespread negativity and distrust towards government not only pose a threat to democracy but also unjustly diminish the hard work and integrity of honest public servants. Government is fallible, and we must not surrender our society to technocrats who claim to have technical solutions for every problem. Politics and public participation in selecting government leaders serve as mechanisms of accountability and platforms to rally people around social causes or grievances. The exchange of ideas, policy debates, and electoral processes prevent government from becoming unresponsive or succumbing to unchecked concentration of power.
Amidst today’s acrimonious political climate, it concerns me that dedicated individuals within government do not feel valued or acknowledged for their service to the people. I have had the privilege of working with thousands of exceptional public sector employees who face the challenges of their jobs with skill and ethics. Despite the current state of affairs, I remain optimistic about the role of government and its employees as pillars for the well-being of our society.
Arthur Y. Webb, who served in various positions within the state of New York for nearly 20 years, including commissioner of the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, reminds us in his book “Honorable Profession: My Years in Public Service” of the importance of honoring and recognizing the work of those in the public sector.
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