Mrs. Obama Goes to the Agencies
Desiree Rogers, the White House Social Secretary, takes what seems to me to be an oddly passive stance on Michelle Obama's visits to federal departments and agencies in her interview with the Washington Post. Rogers says:
"So, in a way, she is using that role to be a conduit for the American public to say, 'Thank you so much for all the work that you and your family are doing on behalf of the American people' as our as -- her husband is doing the work that he's doing. So, in many respects, I think it's a marvelous use of her time."
I don't mean to say that it's not a good thing that the First Lady is thanking federal employees for their service. It's wonderful. As I've said before, I wish the President was making this tour himself, but sending the First Lady is a gesture of respect at a point where the President faces enormous challenges and time constraints.
But Michelle Obama's been doing more than just conveying thanks on these visits. She's been having closed-press meetings with federal employees. She's taking suggestions. And she's laying out the President's views of how those agencies will operate in service of a larger mission of government. Obviously it remains to be seen what results her tour produces, but it's an engaging effort. Rogers may have her reasons for wanting to simplify the public image of the First Lady. But it does seem to downplay her work to streamline the description too much.
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Government Executive Staff Correspondent Alyssa Rosenberg takes a look at news affecting the management and operations of the massive federal bureaucracy.
Too bad she is only going to offices within the Beltway.
There are thousands of federal employees that are at the County levels that are never asked on how to improve government.
Gilbert Posted Friday, February 27, 2009 2:19 PMI think it's great that the First Lady is visiting the agency employees. In fact, I can't wait until she visits my agency. My Secretary is conducting similar visits with her employees, but I consider Michelle Obama to be a representative of all Americans and her message is of thanks and support. I for one, appreciate her taking the time to visit us.
Terry Posted Friday, February 27, 2009 2:47 PMAnother "fish wrap story", who cares all this is PAP. She's taking notes and going to bring them back to the President. He's already shown he's way in over his head, and can't get to work on time.
dan ketter Posted Monday, March 2, 2009 9:07 AMDan Ketter, most of the time I read your nonsensical comments and just shake my head. Today, I can't resist the urge to respond.
President Obama has been on the job for less than 90 days. Isn't it a bit short-sighted (not to mention ridiculous) to draw the conclusion that he is "in way over his head" as you put it? Give the man a break. Besides, it's gonna take him way more than 90 days to clean up the messes made by the one we just got rid of, who was in way over his head from day one and proceeded to prove it by spending 8 years jacking up the country and ticking off most of the rest of the free world.
And I'm not even going to address the comment about whether or not he "gets to work on time".
bee bee Posted Tuesday, March 3, 2009 1:39 PMGilbert, your comment reminded me that I often forget about our state and local counterparts.
I bet they experience some of the same problems we experience at the Federal level. It would be nice to hear what they have to say.
bee bee Posted Tuesday, March 3, 2009 1:42 PM