Work on Wednesday: When the Political Becomes Personal

A rather lengthy disclaimer:

When trying to figure out the nature and feel of this here bloggy thing, I was really overwhelmed with what it could be. So many options...crafty, self-helpy, booky, worky, research-y...the one thing that I was sure about was what I DIDN'T want it to be...I didn't want it to be a politically-charged blog. It's not that I don't follow politics, or don't vote; rather, it's the opposite. I have very decided political and social opinions, and while I'm all about the free speech, I figured in this arena, for me, discretion was the better part of valor. I don't want any potential readers to feel uncomfortable or provoke their disapprobation. (Yes, I am guilty of the mortal sin of wanting to be liked.) As well, on the off chance that anyone figures out where I work, I never want this blog or its content to be interpreted or seen as a reflection of the views of my employers.

But, as I began ruminating over today's blog entry, one thing became painfully clear to me: in my profession, things get political very quickly. So there's going to be some politics here, from time to time. Like it or lump it, I say. Personal, professional, and political tend to blend together.

So, on that note...

Last week, as I was perusing my various professional publications, an interesting article caught my eye. I'll include excerpts from the article in bold; my initial thoughts in italics and quotes.

Indiana-East Chicago Public Library Director Manny Montalvo and his wife were arrested by transit police Thursday at the Millenium Park Metra Station, where police said the couple were heavily intoxicated, tried to board an empty South Shore train, and shoved and verbally abused officers who told them to leave the platform.Montalvo on Friday said he would fight charges of disorderly conduct, criminal trespass and battery of a police officer, and denied that he or his wife were intoxicated.

"We were at the Cubs game and we were running late, trying to get on the train and the cop is yelling at us and berating us," said Montalvo. "We needed to get on that train and get home to our kids."

"This could really be a misunderstanding. After all, cops aren't exactly known for giving the most accurate version of events."

The Montalvos became abusive, shouting obscenities at the officers who pointed out signs posted at the platform stating loud and disruptive behavior is not allowed on NICTD trains.

"Whoa, the newspaper's really screwing this up, not specifying that this is ALLEGED behavior. What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?"

"How come they didn't do no Breathalyzer? They didn't try to charge me with any alcohol charges because they knew they wouldn't stick," said Montalvo.

"Oh, HELL no. Oh no he didn't!"

Yeah, from that point on, "innocent until proven guilty" went out the window for me. It's not a particularly great reflection on me, I think, but I'll be the first to admit that I do a little bit of judging of a person based on their grammar and ability to articulate. It's not the sole basis for my opinions, but it weighs in, especially if the only thing I know about you is what you write. And when I read Montalvo's words, that was it. The end. Game over. What sort of Library Director talks like that?

Here's the uncomfortable truth: Public Library employees are government workers. They serve cities, counties, states, or special districts, and they are public servants. Not only do we serve the public, but we represent our government entity. I'm a bit of an unconventional patriot, but a patriot nonetheless, and I feel that there should be a great deal of honor and pride invested in being a government employee. It's an opportunity to serve the country, serve humanity, and do a part in forming "a more perfect union" and a better humanity.

And instead, government employees are loathed. We're laughed at, mocked, disrespected, thought ill of, regarded as corrupt, indifferent, incompetent, overpaid, and a bureaucratic sack of flesh and air. We should be proud to be government employees, and we should be doing all we can to bring approbation to our employers and success to our constituents. We should be worthy of the tax dollars spent on us, we should leave people thinking "Hey! They really DO deserve those pensions!" (Because let's face it, folks, cops and teachers and librarians and prosecuting attorneys don't go into our respective lines of work for the fame, glory, and riches. It's hard enough keeping body and soul together on our salaries; forget about making substantial investments to retirement. Is a decent pension really so unreasonable a reward for those who choose to dedicate their lives to serving a demanding public?)

In this economic climate, when libraries and schools are fighting tooth and nail for every cent they can come across, it's more important than ever for government employees to present a positive image to the country. We hold our presidents and politicians to a very high standard of behavior, and perhaps we, as government employees, should think about adopting those similar standards.

And learn how to talk correctly, too.