Government played the critical role. So government matters. My second point is about the people in government. One of the things that has most struck me is the commitment and quality of so many people with whom I've worked. And that includes many younger people who, like you, have the advantage of an outstanding education and then decided to spend a few years in public service.
Government takes on many of the most difficult issues in our society.
The federal workforce is the smallest in a generation, and as a percentage of the total work force in this nation, at its lowest level in many many decades. Moreover, government is in the process of turning from the kinds of hide-bound institutions many of us imagine to agencies bound and determined to give taxpayers the highest value for their dollars. I deeply believe that the success of our country requires that faith in our public institutions be restored. This is your challenge. You must be part of the process of re-establishing respect for the institution of government and those who work in public service.