The Power and Peril of Words

The Human Cost of Dehumanizing Public Service

When we speak of "the government," "the Deep State," or "Big Government," we often forget that these terms mask an essential truth: public service is fundamentally human.

Behind every policy, program, and service are dedicated individuals—our neighbors, friends, and family members who have chosen careers in service to their fellow citizens.

They ensure the safety of our food, the security of our airways, the care of our veterans, and much more. They are not faceless bureaucrats but committed professionals who have dedicated their careers to improving the lives of others.

Yet, for years, we've heard otherwise on the radio and online, and in political speeches and campaign promises. This rhetoric of dehumanization has had real consequences.

When we strip away the humanity from public service through loaded language and sweeping generalizations, we make it easier to justify dramatic cuts and eliminations that affect real people and communities.

The US federal workforce has already seen a dramatic decline—from representing 4.5% of non-farm workers in the 1940s to just 1.5% today. This isn't merely a statistic; it represents a diminished capacity to serve the public good of 345M+ Americans and thousands of lost careers dedicated to public service.

This diminishment creates a cascading effect throughout civil society. Federal workers don't operate in isolation; they are part of a broader ecosystem that includes nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and community service providers.

When federal positions are eliminated, it affects more than just the workers and their families. It weakens the entire infrastructure of public service that supports our communities.

Consider the impact on nonprofit organizations.

Many rely on partnerships with federal agencies for grants, research collaboration, and program support. When federal departments face cuts or eliminations, these vital partnerships fray.

A nonprofit providing meals to seniors might lose its federal funding partner. A research organization studying climate change might lose access to government data and expertise. A community health center might lose the federal grants that help it serve uninsured patients.

The language we use to discuss public service matters because it shapes how we value this work.

When we speak of "bloated bureaucracy" or "government waste," we obscure the reality that public service is about people helping people.

It's about the National Weather Service meteorologist working through the night to track a dangerous storm, the FDA scientist ensuring the safety of our medicines, and the National Park Service ranger teaching children about nature and conservation.

These are not abstract entities but real people making fundamental contributions to our society. They could earn more in the private sector but choose public service because they believe in serving others.

As we consider the future of public service in America, we must consider how our words shape our values and actions.

The decision to reduce the federal workforce isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet—it's about dismantling decades of institutional knowledge, expertise, and commitment to public good. It's about weakening the bonds that connect government services to community needs.

The next time we hear sweeping criticisms of "the government" or "bureaucrats," we should pause to consider who we're talking about.

Are we talking about waste and inefficiency, or are we talking about our neighbor who processes veterans' benefits? Are we talking about bloated bureaucracy, or are we talking about the researchers working to cure diseases?

This isn't to say that there isn't real work to be done in modernizing government services and operations. There absolutely is.

Many federal systems and processes could benefit from thoughtful updates, technological improvements, and streamlined workflows. However, the path to modernization involves examining the work—the methods, systems, and technologies—not attacking the workers performing it.

Practical modernization efforts start by engaging with the people who know these systems best: the federal workers.

They understand both the constraints and opportunities within their areas of responsibility. They know which processes are needlessly complex, which systems are outdated, and what changes could make their service to the public more effective.

By treating federal workers as partners in modernization rather than obstacles to it, we can achieve meaningful improvements while preserving and enhancing vital public services.

Words matter.

They shape our perceptions, influence our decisions, and ultimately impact the lives of real people.

As we debate the role and size of public service in our society, let's ensure our language reflects the humanity of those who have chosen to serve their country through civilian public service.

Their work, their dedication, and their contributions deserve to be seen and valued for what they truly are—not hidden behind dehumanizing rhetoric that makes it easier to dismiss their importance to our society.

Focusing on improving the work while respecting the workers can build a more efficient and effective government that better serves all Americans.