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In this revised third edition the author sharpens his defence of the American public service. Attacking both the popular stereotypes and some more caustic criticism by academics in the field of public administration, this book presents substantial statistical data, buttressed by personal observation, to demonstrate the author's theory that American government is actually more competent, successful and steadfast than most people realise. In support of his argument, the author cites positive productivity figures and surveys of citizen response to actual contacts with such notorious bureaucratic offenders as the Postal Service and public welfare offices. Again and again he finds there is convincing evidence that the American public service performs its assigned duties with a degree of efficiency and democratic responsibility that deserves appreciation and acclaim rather than habitual disparagement by politicians and the press.