Peter Morici's recent commentary makes the absurd claim that the National Treasury Employees Union is somehow "deeply involved" in the management of the Internal Revenue Service ("Let's declare our independence from the IRS," July 4). I am sure this would come as quite a surprise to the IRS.
We do work to see that the voices of frontline employees are heard on conditions impacting their working lives. That is what federal unions do. Mr. Morici should be aware, as well, that NTEU and its members regularly consult with federal elected officials — regardless of party — about those working conditions. That, too, is what federal unions do.
As for IRS employees, their interest and focus is on applying fairly and effectively the tax laws as written by Congress. In truth, the nation is fortunate to have one of the most efficient tax-collection systems in the world, staffed by trained, dedicated public servants whose goal is to collect the appropriate revenue to fund the services Americans want, need and deserve.
Colleen M. Kelley, Washington, D.C.
The writer is national president of the National Treasury Employees Union.