Welcome to the Friday mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by readers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.
“The timing of your selection of this topic landed hard on me in light of the fact that my son, who loves playing the guitar, shared some info with me last weekend regarding Bob Marley (Sister Janet Mead, Feb. 25, 2025). I never would have considered that he was one who worked scripture or biblical references into almost all of his songs. For some, God and the Bible are symbols of oppression. But Marley saw God as a liberator, a deliverer from political and personal oppression. I wouldn't say Marley was a mainline Christian because he seemed to divert from biblical teachings in terms of the ‘prophets’ he chose to elevate, follow or exemplify. But the man was spiritual, repentant and educated. The fact that he worked scripture into his music at such a rate was a great surprise to me.” - Brad
Regardless of whether you liked his music or not, few could describe the themes of love, freedom and social justice better than Bob Marley. - Shane
“Shane, I'll assume you have heard from others that Norman Greenbaum has the lead in the category for God-Rock songs stuck in your head with ‘Spirit In The Sky.’ (Sister Janet Mead, Feb. 25, 2025)” - James
“When you die, and they lay you to rest, you're gonna go to the place that's the best.” At least we hope so. - Shane
“Shane, I just want to let you know how much I love reading your stories (Tough decisions, Feb. 26, 2025). And today’s story is no different, perfect timing. Accountability and consequences! Keep them coming.” - Jaime
It’s unfortunate that something as important as uncovering government waste can be so politically divisive. - Shane
“As someone directly involved in the massive cuts happening within the federal government, I have a different perspective (Tough decisions, Feb. 26, 2025). I fully support the mission to cut unnecessary spending, improve efficiency and eliminate fraud. I also understand that cuts are an inevitable part of this effort. However, when you say the process feels forced and fast, that’s an understatement. It’s more accurate to call it reckless. There’s a vast difference between what you describe — measuring performance, auditing departments, and evaluating individual contributions — and the blind cutting and gutting that is actually taking place. In many cases, the only criteria for cuts has been that employees haven’t been employed for more than a year. There’s been no audit, no review, and no evaluation of their actual performance. This didn’t have to unfold this way. Had the proper protocols — like the ones you followed — been implemented from the start, the situation could have been very different.” - Cory
That’s a great perspective, Cory, as some of the new hires are most certainly some of the best employees. - Shane
“Shane, I really enjoyed your column today about your experience with the Nebraska printing company and government waste (Tough decisions, Feb. 26, 2025). In the private sector, we have weekly meetings on production, progress and goals. Is it too much to ask for government employees to name five things they accomplished last week? With all the wailing and gnashing of teeth, one would think this is a terrible injustice to our government employees. The reality is with a growing federal deficit, it would be irresponsible to ignore and do nothing. Regardless of how one feels about Trump or Musk, responding to an email with a quick response seems a reasonable approach to verify if one is working and what they are doing.” - Eric
The one thing I have learned in this is that the issue seems to be more about the messenger than the message. - Shane
“As I read your column, it caused me to reflect on my years in private business (Tough decisions, Feb. 26, 2025). I suspect that the government management prefers to be a best friend to their employees versus being a leader. When you choose that, you fail to guide, teach and discipline.” - Bob
The reality is that nobody is — or should be — guaranteed a lifetime job. - Shane
“Shane, I just wanted to give you a shout-out for your column this morning (Tough decisions, Feb. 26, 2025). Very relevant and well worded considering the divide on this. Kudos.” - Scott
The divide is certainly real. And unfortunate. - Shane
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
