balderdash111

(And by "public service" we also mean non-elected positions, such as the diplomatic corps, administrative agencies, etc)

This is not a perfect poll (there is certainly overlap between option b and some of the later choices), but I wanted to guage people's feelings on this issue.

Do people still view public service as a noble calling? Is it just a stepping stone for lucrative jobs in the private sector? Are people being turned away by the press scrutiny and the attacks?

onetime2

I've considered it since I was in my first year(s) of high school. The press scrutiny would be a bear but nowhere near as bad as the fundraising.

I'm sure I will get into some local stuff in the coming year or two and would like to go on to statewide or national level politics. I do not see it as a route to better private sector jobs. It can obviously be used in that way but I've got a pretty good career already in the private sector and public service jobs will almost certainly mean less money, longer hours, and far more frustration. The positives are having more of a hand in the direction of my town, state, country, etc and fighting for the good of many and helping to make peoples' lives better.

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rukkyg

Another bonus is not having to work for evil corporations. That's my main reason.

mo42

Ha, they'd have a hard time digging up any dirt on me. Seeing as none exists.

I could do it, although my girlfriend doesn't want me to. But I think being a Senator/President/whatever would be great.

Bill O'Rights

I made a run for City Council...and lost. It takes a massive amount of cash to even begin to have a hope of geting anywhere. This is, of course, why so many politicians are beholden to special interests. Well, what're ya gonna do?

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mml

I have worked for Politicians and have been involved in a number of campaigns and have toyed with the idea of running on several occations. I actually turned down an opportunity with the Foriegn Service, to work for "the money in the private sector", and have always regretted the decision. Bill's got it right, it can be very expensive to run and onetime2 is on the money as well. The difficulties in running, are often so overwhelming that many who would excel in public life/service, do not ever become involved. However, in my state, we have a "Clean Election" law which helps candidates with funding. It is far from perfect, but it is a step in the right direction.

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guthmund

I wouldn't enter public service of my own accord, but I would serve if called upon.

There is a lot of honor to be had in public service, but not at the expense of being pulled every which way by special interests and big money. I would gladly fill the spot if required and would do so to the best of my ability if called to do so, but otherwise forget it. I would be a privilege to serve the public as they deem fit, but I'm afraid I want no part of the carrot "big money" holds out in front of most politicians these days.

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bacon_masta

Public service is fine, but I don't think it is for me. My talents lie elsewhere.

I can support a public servant that is doing a good job, but I don't think I would be very good at it. Thankfully, there are people more talented than me out there who are willing to get the job done.

Flyguy

That's really sad. The average joe who knows what it's like working day to day should be running this counrty. Not some preppie rich kid who lives off family money.

And that goes for Kerry, Bush and the rest.

Bill O'Rights

To a point, I would agree with that. I've long been of the opinion that a team of about a dozen coupon clipping housewives could put paid to the federal defecit, within 10 years. Who knows how to budget better?

__________________
"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony

"Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus

It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

Zubon

I am a civil servant. It is perhaps not the easiest field to work in, especially since my office is dependent on the vagaries of both the state and federal budgets. We are at present hoping that Congress replaces the six-year federal transportation bill sometime. It expired October 1, 2003, and activity has proceeded in two month increments since then.

SaltPork

I would love to get involved in some elected capacity in my local government, I just have no idea how to get started. Part of me is a bit timid at the thought, too, which is why I haven't bothered to try and find out the details and requirements for running for office.

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Locobot

I really don't know what you mean by "public service" so I won't answer. Do you mean military service, working as a cop, collecting people's garbage, working at the library, ???? what do you mean?

pan6467

Considering I'm going to be an addictions counselor..... I am making it my life.

Just think it's cool that 75% answered the top 2 it's heartening to know that there are so many great people here on TFP.

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Rodney

Started out in public service, actually. I think that I did some good, but some of the politics (internal and external) behind decisions that affected our policy were so stupid that I bailed, thinking, "Things have got to be better in private industry." Well, more focused, yes. Better, no.

So, after 20 years in corporate la-la land, I'm headed back to public service. In many ways it's as stupid as ever, but the corporate world grows increasingly soulless and I think I can find a way to work around the stupidity to do some things that are both worthwhile and satisfying.

SecretMethod70

Perhaps. Of course, if I ran for an office they'd probably dig up TFP and try to say I'm immoral or something

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Halx

I'd run for the highest office I can attain. I'll have to do it on someone else's funding, though, 'cause I'm broke.

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Sparhawk

Not only would I, I am.

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balderdash111

I mean "public service" in the general, colloquial definition. Loosely translates to "government service," but does not include everyone who gets a paycheck from the government. (e.g., military, police, transportation, sanitation, water dep't, etc).

I'd put it up to general debate as to whether "public service" includes things like CIA analysts. I think not, but I'm not sure why.

Zubon

Police officers are not part of the public service? That seems like an unusual colloquial definition. I can see boxing out utilities workers who are doing the same thing where systems are private or privatized (e.g., bus drivers, sewer maintenance), but it seems easy to box of pretty much anyone.

Professions seem like one that could be boxed off the same way, because an accountant is an accountant whether or not they work for the government. Which lawyers get to be part of the public service? Public defenders, county prosecutors, elected attorney generals, legislators' aides, law instructors at public universities, private attorneys who do pro bono work, advocates from non-profit institutions...?

I would think that Ralph Nader thinks of himself in the public service, as would a lot of non-profit agencies. The Red Cross seems a lot like the public service.

Most public sector jobs are available in some form in the private sector, often nearly identical, although the private sector usually makes just a bit more money.

It just feels odd to be defining people out of the public service who look like they are public servants to me, some far better public servants than the folks elected into "public service."