Private Public Service

Shortly after 9/11, we saw a spate of stories reporting renewed interest on the part of students in public service. In particular, various polls showed large segments of people more inclined to consider a job in government. It looks as though many of them have reconsidered. A recent study by the Brookings Institution says that while interest in public service remains high, students want to channel that interest through non-profit groups. Government, by contrast is "seen as less than stellar in helping people, spending money wisely and being fair."

The study's author seems both more surprised and more upset by this than I was. One line reads: "More troubling, seniors do not see government as the best place to go for helping people." Troubling? If you say so…