Much admiration for this author’s actions and personal adherence to professional scripture. There is a lot of courage and depth here. The words describe the kind of agency her office used to be, the one I was very proud to be part of, and laments its—if not its passing—descent.
Bravo. This eloquent and brave essay deserves to be printed and read again and again. To people who are used to losing a job on an employer’s whim, or know someone who is, the dilemma the author describes might seem less than existential. Don’t like what’s happening? Go ahead and quit. But the core of the profession described here is serving the U.S. with the provision of truth, and when truth is venally corrupted, it is not a matter of simple disagreement but a matter for one’s conscience. How much violation of the truth is too much? Do I stay because my country needs me, and make what I hope, or tell myself, are acceptable compromises? Where must I really draw the line? As the author describes, the moment for decision has everything to do with who a person really is. This person deserves everyone’s appreciation and respect.
Thanks for this clearly heart-felt articulation of the tragic consequences of the institutional terror inflicted on line-level professionals like yourself. Thanks also for standing tall!
Much admiration for this author’s actions and personal adherence to professional scripture. There is a lot of courage and depth here. The words describe the kind of agency her office used to be, the one I was very proud to be part of, and laments its—if not its passing—descent.
Speaking truth to power — you personify the best of our country. Thank you.
Bravo. This eloquent and brave essay deserves to be printed and read again and again. To people who are used to losing a job on an employer’s whim, or know someone who is, the dilemma the author describes might seem less than existential. Don’t like what’s happening? Go ahead and quit. But the core of the profession described here is serving the U.S. with the provision of truth, and when truth is venally corrupted, it is not a matter of simple disagreement but a matter for one’s conscience. How much violation of the truth is too much? Do I stay because my country needs me, and make what I hope, or tell myself, are acceptable compromises? Where must I really draw the line? As the author describes, the moment for decision has everything to do with who a person really is. This person deserves everyone’s appreciation and respect.
Thank you for expressing so clearly how many of us feel!
I’m sorry you are in this situation; a very hard decision. Wishing you all the best.
Thanks for this clearly heart-felt articulation of the tragic consequences of the institutional terror inflicted on line-level professionals like yourself. Thanks also for standing tall!