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July 25, 2007
People are so frightened to speak
One thing I have seen over and over while writing this blog and while campaigning to save public libraries: people who work in or depend upon the public sector for their employment are so frightened to speak when they see serious wrongdoing or deliberately poor public service. They are scared for their jobs and scared of their seniors so they prefer to stay silent.
They write to me and say "please don't say my name". I had another long letter tonight which I cannot, at this time, divulge. This person, like many others, has been bullied terribly because she wanted to put right something at her work that she believed to be wrong. There is no one she can go to. Perhaps the time will come that I can describe her story, but not now.
The state sector is so big- that is what gave rise to the expression "totalitarian". It is very scary to see.
Posted by Tim Coates at July 25, 2007 11:13 PM
Comments
The state is people. The private sector is people.
I don't doubt that there are problems in 'the state sector'and it's a terrible thing- but there are the same problems in the private sector.
Totalitarianism refers to the total dissolution of the private sector and sphere, with all functions subordinate to the state. Whilst not wishing to downplay people's experiences, we're some way from that here.
What happened to your politician who was going to sort all this out?
Posted by: Pete at July 26, 2007 9:08 AM
No, there's a fundamental difference between private sector and public sector. If a private sector company does something stupid or wasteful in the long run his competitors will take advantage of his incompetence and the general public will not be affected. If a public sector operator does something stupid or wasteful then the public will suffer, they have no alternative. The role and position of the responsible employee is different.
Over 50% of the managed operation of this country is public sector and more than 50% of people depend for their income on state managers. In many parts of the country that figure is much higher.
My politician is doing a good job.
Posted by: Tim Coates at July 26, 2007 9:17 AM
I don't know Tim. Many a 'private' company can get away with appalling personnel practice and pretty ropy customer ( and supplier) service beacuse of their size and so on. The 'market' is in now way as perfect as it is painted. The 'private' railways are the best example here, but supermarkets and dare I say it bookshops aren't whiter than white.
My point is not that public sector and private sector are the same, more that poor service and lipsealing are not unique to the public sector.
I am glad you have a good politician. But we still can't know who they are? Fair enough if not, if there are compelling reasons for keeping them anonymous.
Posted by: Pete at July 26, 2007 9:53 AM