[Rant on]This is just the very tip of the iceberg of which the government OVERSPENDS constantly. You could have your very own thread on GOVERNMENT WASTE. Government gardeners, window washers, toilet cleaners, can't these dummies OUTSOURCE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR? Oh no....they have to make sure there are fat jobs for the lowlifes who can't make it in the private sector.

And folks, if you think government waste is just perpetrated on the people by one political party, it's time to get off your turnip truck and open your eyes.[/Rant off]

Well, I'm sure this is unexpected, but I do think that it is sad when organizations can't spend a bit to recognize their employees. It's great for morale. As much as I think that the government overspends and resent the use of my tax dollars for the TSA's mission, I've seen the effect that attention (in the form of money) can have on morale in the private sector, and often it is well worth it even if it is hard to explain to shareholders.

It's funny, how all of this works. Something like this happens, a banquet where some money is spent and everyone piles on. Tall blades of grass get the lawnmower...

Most government waste doesn't manifest itself directly into frequent harassment for me.

Also, in addition to my taxes, most government waste is not augmented by a fee for this harassment which is extorted from me every time I fly.

Bloomberg News Article

"The agency paid $64 per gallon of coffee, $3.75 per soft drink serving, $1,486 for three balloon arches and $1,850 for seven sheet cakes, the report said. A singer of the national anthem was paid $75 and a ``lifetime achievement'' award was given to an employee retiring from the two-year-old agency.

The security administration gave bonuses to 88, or 76 percent, of 116 eligible executives, averaging $16,477, or a third higher than the government average, the report said. Typically, only half of eligible government executives receive bonuses. The security agency used identical language to justify awards for 38 percent of employees."

Washington Post Article

"Fairness counts, especially when it comes to bonuses.

An inspector general review found that the Transportation Security Administration handed out bonuses last year to 76 percent of its executives but to only 3 percent of its rank-and-file employees. The TSA also gave time off from work as a reward to an additional 7 percent of the rank and file."

KomoTV 4 News Editorial

"They're watching us, but who the hell is watching them?

The Transportation Security Agency - that's the agency in charge of airport security - has been having itself a good ol' time.

Last year, the TSA threw itself a party at one of the swankiest hotels in Washington D.C.

It was a wondrous time."

That's ashame. The most sucessful companies, in the private sector, always recognize their front line employees. Of course you can't give gifts or awards everyday, but as an example, the company I work for - we have a program in place where our front line employees are recognized once a month.

I recognize my department with things like employee apprciation days with catered food, pizzas, etc. If someone does something outstanding, I'll see that they get a gift such as a $25 gift card good for a place like Olive Garden.

Recently, one of my employees became a homeowner. A few of us got together, we each chipped in $25 of our own money, and we purchased a lawnmower (actually a certificate for a lawn mower). This is an employee that has been with the company for years and has done great work.

Little things like this go a long way - improve employee productivity, keep turn over low, and the employees are happy. When I travel, I frequently buy gifts like chocholates, etc., duty free and bring them in for my staff. As far as turnover, I have had one employee leave in the past year (moved out of town for another position). I have also had to cut one employee as part of a downsizing, which isn't easy to do.

I know government agencies operate in a different mindset, but things I mention above improve employee morale. I'm sure the TSA could do something for their front line employees without "tipping" the budget in an attempt to keep morale up. Higher morale, IMHO, would mean happier employees and in return happier users of the airport who deal with TSA screeners who are happy.

I'm not a fan of the TSA, but as long as it exists, the front line should be recognized and things should be done to increase morale and lower turnover. IMHO, that is the least they can do for those who do the front line work. Perhaps we as passengers would notice a difference? I know my customers do when my employees are happy.

Best,

SDF_Traveler

Agreed. 100%.

Good military men (not all; but the good ones) take care of their troops first. I knew some company commanders that would not eat until the last soldier was through the chow line (when deployed; if the solider sleeps in in his barracks, that is his problem ). I knew of commanders that would work the Christmas Eve duty shift so a SGT or other NCO could be home with his family.

This swanky party where 83% of executives got a bonus equal to nearly half a year's pay for a front line person is despicable. The executives are the ones making up the moronic polices; the front liners are the poor stiffs who have to follow them.

Ahhhh so government WASTE is just fine with you as long as you don't despise that agency?

Well that's where we differ. I don't think wasting the taxpayers hard-earned money is acceptable to any government entity. I guess FTers have money to burn except when it comes to agencies they dislike immensely.

Very good points.

It's a matter of picking my battles. I only have time for so many. So, I choose the matters that are closest to home for me. I don't understand why this bothers you, or what confuses you about it.

What I do see here, though, is an attempt to derail the discussion.

"Look at the waste that is going on at the TSA"

"Why aren't you mad about other waste too?"

If you don't think this is an example of waste at the TSA, please feel free to say so.

Analise, I don't often correct grammar but I want to point out that "government waste" is a redundancy.

The issue of government waste is an age old discussion that could consume two peoples entire day, I dont believe any of us have that kid of time - we will have a flight to catch sooner or later. Now if we narrow the conversation to TSA wasteful spending we might have an interesting discussion. I've gotten tired of just saying "Lets get back on topic."

or "It's My Turn" by Marty Fortier

http://www.cdapress.com/articles/200.../columns06.txt

there are quite a few factual flaws in that little editorial, for those who care to look for them.

let the ^ ^ ^ commence!