Is it immoral to work for the U.S. Government?

[PSU84]

The United States invaded Iraq without justification. It has killed by some estimates 100,000 Iraqi people. The U.S. military is waging war on civilians. Are we all culpable in these crimes. What about people who not only pay taxes to the U.S. government, but who work for it?

[mortimer_az]

1. Every American is culpable

Do what you can locally to bring about the change.

[Bridget Burke]

2. No.

But don't worry. Lots of those jobs are being privatized & corporatized. Quite a few of the people losing their jobs are Democrats.

Please, continue to have long, existential discussions over your coffee. (& wear lots of black.) But I'd rather we keep a few Park Rangers, etc.

[Hamlette]

3. geez, get a grip

people who care in the government can make a difference on an individual basis.

[catzies]

4. I served time in the DoD, and contemplated getting back into govt.

contracting because that's where the money is, to paraphrase Willie Sutton. I did well in the heyday of the "$800 hammer."

My former program manager is on a DHS contract now, and I'd work for her in a heartbeat...anywhere else.

Back to your question: I don't know about morals, but my conscience wouldn't let me. ;)

[ismnotwasm]

5. My brother the Libertarian

thinks so. 'Course, he's not working at all right now, so maybe he would rethink his position. As a nurse, I have cared for vets of different wars, whose primary medical coverage is VA-- so I guess I've kinda been a gov'ment worker.

[leyton]

6. There are things other than the war and the DOD.

Work for a government program whose work you like. The EPA, for example (I know, their hands are tied under Bush), or something like that.

[American Tragedy]

7. Of course not

It depends on the occupation. An overwhelming percentage of public servants do challenging and beneficial work that is indispensible to society and they get paid very little for it. I hate bureaucracy but I do admire most of the people who enter the public sector, especially since they are often held in contempt by the Republicans.

And no, we are not all culpable. Being of the same nationality as others who do evil does not make you guilty, any more than those of the same race or religion. We should be judged on what we do individually, not on who we are.

[ShaneGR]

8. Uhhh, no Timothy..... Bad Timothy!