Amanda Parker

I was thinking the very same thing with my most recent round of government applications. For BOTH age and pay concerns, I don’t understand why that is required. It does not serve the applicant to have that information available, as they should not be part of the decision to hire. Does anyone know of another way for agencies to verify (for…[Read more]

hahaha..no, I wish 🙂

I have a family member who would likely agree with most of this article, except to say that it doesn’t go far enough. He is so distrustful of government he believes that we really ought not to have one. While many of his views are extreme, when I engage him in discussion he says some insightful things. One example that this article reminded me of…[Read more]

Hi All, I just wanted to say a quick thanks for the thoughts, encouragement and perspective. I was surprised by all of the discussion and greatly appreciated being offered different points of view to serve as context for last weeks’ events. I hope this helped other people who were feeling as I was. I know it helped me. More importantly, I hope…[Read more]

Lisa, thanks for sharing these resources. I should say my agency has since sent out some words reminding employees of resources that are available, as a part of a weekly agency email/newsletter. Having taken many psychology courses in college, I know how just understanding what behaviors to look out for can be tremendously helpful in recognizing…[Read more]

Terry, thanks for your thoughts. You’re absolutely right and I have noticed people being a little more aware of their surroundings on the metro Monday and Tuesday. Your perspective also reminds us that we’re not totally helpless. We can go on with our daily lives while staying alert within reason.

Ressie, Thanks for your insights. While I know little about the security of my building (other than what is visibly apparent) I would say I do feel safe AT work. It’s the larger idea that, living/working in a city you are at crowded public events and on public transportation, both of which could be targets.

Mark, I completely agree with your comments on the industrial explosion in TX. There are also very normal everyday things that present a risk. People have every right to be concerned about the industries around them and that they are safe. Interestingly, I have hear some discussion about the zoning laws in West, TX near the plant, raising…[Read more]

Peter, thank you for sharing your perspective. It is always instructive to remember that this isn’t the first time our nation has dealt with these crises and it likely won’t be the last. But also that we always get back to “normal”. I would assert, however, that having open discussions about our fears, rational or not, is constructive. We need…[Read more]

Megan, thanks for sharing your feelings. It’s reassuring in an odd way to know other people feel the same and it can be hard to talk about these things. But you’re right, no matter how many ways we can rationalize that we are safe (as other people have commented), there is something kind of vaguely unsettling about things in general. I do hope you…[Read more]

David, thanks for your insight. I did make it a point to go for a nice walk around the capital Tuesday, since it was a nice day and that is normal for me. You also bring up a great point about preparedness in our offices, to make sure we know how to respond and where to get our information from in the case of an emergency.

Mark, Thanks for your comments. I have explained to many people that what I know has little impact on how I feel right now. But, these are the kind of conversations that we can have in our offices (with those who are “in the same boat” so to speak) that can be really helpful. Even though these conversations are not being had in my office, I’m…[Read more]

I honestly want to telework, but a 650 sq. ft. apartment does not provide the focused work space that I would need to be successful at it regularly. One day (hopefully soon) I’ll have a house with multiple rooms, one of which can be a home office. However, there are also tasks that I find I’m more successful doing in the office than at home, so if…[Read more]

I couldn’t agree more and I do feel like the majority of us who are in this profession because it’s our calling do get overlooked in the popular media and policy discussions of late. Thanks for sharing, Doris!