"Let the public service be a proud and lively career. And let every man and woman who works in any area of our national government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with pride and with honor in future years: ‘I served the United States Government in that hour of our nation’s need.’” —President John F. Kennedy
As I flipped through the pages of Who Is Government? curated by Michael Lewis, I found myself drawn into a narrative that transcends the typical perception of government as a distant, bureaucratic machine. This book is not just a collection of essays; it’s a journey into the soul of governance, a mosaic of stories that reveal the human faces behind the policies and power. From the quiet dedication of a cemetery caretaker to the high-stakes decisions of a bureaucrat at the FDA, this anthology peels back the layers of what government truly means. It’s a compelling exploration of an entity that is both abstract and deeply personal, shaping our lives in ways we often overlook until they directly touch us—through taxes, laws, or the silent presence of public services. Join me as we delve into the mechanisms of governance, from the lofty ideals of democracy to the gritty realities of bureaucracy, in a quest to uncover who truly holds the reins of power.
The Sentinel
Ronald E. Walters of the National Cemetery Administration stands as a guardian of memory, ensuring the dignity of the fallen.
“The government manifests as a guardian of memory, a force that transcends time to honor promises made to those who can no longer speak for themselves.”
The Searchers
Tiffany Kataria and team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory search for exoplanets, embodying the quest for life beyond Earth.
“Their work embodies the human drive to explore the unknown, to answer: Are we alone in the universe?”
The Cyber Sleuth
Jarod Koopman of the IRS tracks digital trails of tax evaders, adapting government to the digital age.
“No one escapes the reach of justice in the cyber realm.”
The Equalizer
Sarah Vowell explores government as a force for equity, balancing societal disparities.
“Government's fundamental role is to serve as a mechanism for equity.”
The Free-Living Bureaucrat
Heather Stone of the FDA navigates bureaucracy with autonomy, impacting public health on a massive scale.
“There are times when the data isn’t clear, and you have to trust your gut.”
Introduction to a Sacred Duty
Ronald E. Walters of the National Cemetery Administration embodies the government’s role as a sentinel of memory. His work at the cemetery is a poignant reminder of the state’s commitment to honor and remember those who have served. Every headstone under his care tells a story of sacrifice, and Walters ensures that each marker is pristine, each flag perfectly placed, and each name legible. This isn’t just maintenance; it’s a sacred trust, a tangible link between past and present, individual and nation. His meticulous attention reflects a deeper truth about government—it can be a quiet, enduring force that preserves dignity across generations.
Highlighted Insight
“The government manifests as a guardian of memory, a force that transcends time to honor promises made to those who can no longer speak for themselves.”
Unpacking the Role of Memory in Governance
Walters’ daily routine might seem mundane to an outsider—walking rows of graves, cleaning markers, adjusting flags—but it carries the weight of history. Each action is a fulfillment of a promise made by the nation to its fallen. This role of government isn’t about flashy policies or public debates; it’s about consistency and respect, ensuring that even in death, individuals are not forgotten. Through Walters, we see government as a keeper of stories, a silent partner in the collective memory of a nation. His work reminds us that governance isn’t always about power or control; sometimes, it’s about reverence and remembrance, a duty that transcends political cycles and personal gain.
Introduction to Cosmic Exploration
At NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Tiffany Kataria, Bertrand Mennesson, Vanessa Bailey, and Kim Aaron are part of a team dedicated to the search for exoplanets and the potential for life beyond our solar system. Their work with advanced telescopes and instruments to analyze distant planetary atmospheres is a testament to government-funded science pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. This isn’t just about data; it’s about answering one of humanity’s oldest questions: Are we alone? Their mission showcases government as a catalyst for curiosity and discovery on a cosmic scale.
Highlighted Insight
“Their work embodies the human drive to explore the unknown, to answer: Are we alone in the universe?”
Exploring the Unknown Through Government Support
The Searchers’ pursuit is emblematic of how government can transcend earthly concerns to fund endeavors that might not yield immediate benefits but are vital for the human spirit. Their analysis of atmospheric data for signs of habitability is painstaking, often yielding more questions than answers, yet it’s driven by a relentless curiosity that government resources make possible. This chapter of Who Is Government? highlights an often-overlooked aspect of governance: its ability to dream big, to invest in the future of humanity beyond borders or immediate returns. Through their lens, government becomes a bridge to the stars, a facilitator of questions that unite us in wonder.
Introduction to Digital Vigilance
Jarod Koopman of the Internal Revenue Service is a modern-day detective, tracking the digital footprints of tax evaders in a world where crime hides behind screens. His role exemplifies how government adapts to the digital age, using sophisticated technology to sift through encrypted files and obscure transactions. Every byte of data is a potential clue in the vast puzzle of financial crime, and Koopman’s mission is clear: to ensure justice prevails, no matter how hidden the perpetrator.
Highlighted Insight
“No one escapes the reach of justice in the cyber realm.”
Navigating the Digital Frontier of Governance
Koopman and his team spend countless hours dissecting hacked databases and online transactions to build airtight cases. Their work is a stark reminder that government isn’t just about physical infrastructure or visible services; it’s increasingly about mastering the invisible networks that shape our world. This chapter reveals government as a relentless pursuer of fairness, evolving with technology to protect societal trust. The Cyber Sleuth’s story underscores a critical shift in governance—how it must continuously adapt to new frontiers, ensuring that even in the vast anonymity of the internet, accountability remains. It’s a thrilling, albeit unseen, battle where government proves its relevance in an ever-changing landscape.
Introduction to Equity in Governance
Sarah Vowell’s exploration in Who Is Government? frames government as an equalizer, a force designed to balance societal disparities and ensure fairness. Through historical anecdotes and personal reflections, she illustrates how government intervention—via legislation, policy, or public services—has often been necessary to level the playing field. Pamela Wright of the National Archives adds depth by emphasizing the importance of preserving records to trace this evolving role over time.
Highlighted Insight
“Government's fundamental role is to serve as a mechanism for equity.”
Understanding Government as a Tool for Fairness
Vowell’s narrative is a powerful reminder that government isn’t just a passive structure; it’s a dynamic tool shaped by the needs and actions of its citizens. She argues that its effectiveness as an equalizer hinges on active participation and vigilance, ensuring it remains a force for justice rather than oppression. From civil rights laws to social welfare programs, government has the potential to counteract natural inequalities, but only if guided by an engaged populace. This chapter challenges readers to see governance not as a distant entity but as a mirror of collective will, a mechanism that can either uplift or fail depending on how we wield it. Wright’s archival perspective adds a historical lens, showing how past decisions inform present struggles for equity, making this a deeply reflective piece on the purpose of government.
Introduction to Personal Influence in Bureaucracy
Heather Stone of the Food and Drug Administration represents the free-living bureaucrat, someone who operates within the vast machinery of government yet carves out a space of autonomy. Her role at the FDA involves decisions that impact public health on a massive scale, often navigating gray areas of policy with surprising freedom. Her invisibility to the public eye is a hallmark of her position—wielding power without the burden of scrutiny.
Highlighted Insight
“There are times when the data isn’t clear, and you have to trust your gut.”
Exploring the Tension of Bureaucratic Freedom
Stone’s daily grind involves reviewing endless reports on drug safety and efficacy, yet she admits to a thrill in bending rules when she believes it serves a greater good. Her candid reflection on pushing through approvals despite unclear data reveals a deeper tension within bureaucracy: the conflict between protocol and decisive action. Beyond her desk, she engages with pharmaceutical executives and advocacy groups in undocumented meetings, brokering deals that shape treatment trajectories. Describing these interactions as “a dance of mutual interest,” she balances public needs with industry pressures, guided by personal ethics and pragmatism. This chapter paints government as a complex organism where individual agency can have outsized impact, challenging the stereotype of bureaucrats as mere cogs. Stone’s story is a fascinating look at how personal conviction can steer the ship of governance, often in ways unseen by those it affects most.
