The Hearing So Far
John Berry's confirmation hearing has barely gotten under way, but Sens. Daniel Akaka and George Voinovich, the only Senators in attendance at the hearing (other than Ben Cardin, who testified in support of Berry), have had to run off to take a couple of votes. Thus far, the hearing has a fairly relaxed, jocular tone. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer showed up and joked that he was wondering if everyone in the packed hearing room was here to testify against Berry, to huge laughs. Akaka accidentally called Hoyer "Mr. Maryland." Berry introduced his partner, Curtis Yee, who is from Honolulu, which Akaka seems to enjoy as a nod to his home state. There's been so much laughter that Akaka actually noted the mood in his opening statement, saying "It is obvious this is a joyous moment for all of you today."
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Government Executive Editor in Chief Tom Shoop, along with other editors and staff correspondents, take a fresh look at news affecting the management and operations of the federal bureaucracy.
Yep, another Liberal/Leftist/Socialist coming along! Wouldn't it be nice, or nostalgic to see a candidate who actually HAD the qualifications for the job BEFORE being picked? He's gay, that's too bad, and it will be worse for this agency if he tries to change the civil service to give people with this genetic deficiency preference over others. Mark my words, if confirmed he will!
ChristmasTree Posted Friday, March 27, 2009 9:56 AM"Genetic deficiency"? You've GOT to be kidding. (Im thinking that your family tree must have been "over-pruned"!)
You suggest that Mr Berry isnt qualified, but offer up nothing to support that perspective, preferring instead to berate him for his orientation.
This is the same sad mind set that continues to exclude gays from the military, ignoring the fact that a number of those who have been dismissed have been in mission-critical areas (i.e., language translators).
I think Steven Colbert was right when he said that "the only thing that scares America worse then another terrorist attack, is being saved from it by a gay hero".
OPM needs a lot of help, if its going to once again become the "lead" in the federal HR community. If Mr Berry can move OPM in that direction, more power to him!
Straight, But Not Narrow Posted Friday, March 27, 2009 10:48 AMHA HA HA HO HO HO let's all yuck it up while Rome burns and Obama, er.. I mean Ceasar "fiddles"
Chris Posted Friday, March 27, 2009 12:12 PMI think Mr. Berry is a very fair person. I work with him at the National Zoological Park. John Berry challenge employees to be great in leadership and work performance. While he is openly gay, I have never seen any employees feel like they must convert to being gay to please Mr. Berry. America needs to grow up and allow people to answer to God on the spiritual levels and instead of on man level. As long as Mr. Berry continue make certain that government policy and procedures are adhered to his lifestyle is his business. Besides I Love his aspiration.
Inspired Leader Posted Friday, March 27, 2009 1:48 PMCan anyone say: "Good Ol' Boys Club"? Sheesh - this farce of a confirmation hearing is another waste of taxpayers money not to mention a horrible idea of a selectee for the OPM leadership position. Where are the responsible lawmakers who should be challenging this nomination? Maybe no one is taking this serious because if John Berry was scrutinized more closely he also would have to withdraw - like so many other Obama nominees. It hasn't even been 100 days and already I am sick of Obama, his cabinet, his white house staffers and these nominees!
Trying to remain civil Posted Friday, March 27, 2009 3:03 PM