There was widespread anger when it was revealed that the General Services Administration organized a 2010 conference in Las Vegas that cost about $800,000. In times of austerity, such a pointless use of money will further perpetuate distrust with the government as a whole. To make matters worse, one of the top GSA officials has decided to plead the Fifth Amendment and therefore publicize that he was against testifying in the Congressional hearing.
An article published in CNN on Monday reported that Jeff Neely, the official in question, declined to answer any and all questions asked of him. Conversely, the Republican chairperson of the House Oversight Committee decided Neely’s refusal to cooperate should not stand in the way of the hearing. The incident is being labeled as an incredibly irresponsible use of taxpayers’ money, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, in a climate where every political gaffe will be analyzed and remembered, this situation does not bode well for the current administration. Much will depend on how the government chooses to react in light of the circumstances.
Furthermore, one can be assured that this is probably not the only instance where irresponsible spending has occurred from a governmental organization. The former administrator of the GSA, Martha Johnson, expressed deep regret over the mismanagement of the administration and the subsequent conference that set off such a public uproar.
While it is somewhat admirable that there are individuals who feel remorse and regret for their actions, it remains to be seen what action will be taken to ensure such reckless spending does not become or remain a regular occurrence in governmental organizations. At a time when many are struggling financially and the government is eager to curb spending in many different sectors, instances like these will only aggravate voters and instigate hatred toward government. In times such as these, it is pivotal that the schisms between political leaders and whom they lead do not deepen. Otherwise, there will certainly be more anger and unrest as dismayed citizens watch their income go to waste.
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