Articles like this are a great example of why the so-called revolving door is a good thing. Government technology has been a disaster for quite some time. I th

Articles like this are a great example of why the so-called revolving door is a good thing. Government technology has been a disaster for quite some time. I think we can all agree that the best technologists aren't usually looking to accept a low-pay, low-prestige job in government. So the Obama Administration has taken steps to try to improve government technology, primarily through USDS but also with direct White House hires. Of course many of the best technologists are employed at Google, so you'll see a lot of people coming from there. Especially since there are significant network effects in recruiting. Naturally, the best technologists aren't typically interested in a long-term government career. So they shift back out after their "tour of duty." In fact, I believe 18F explicitly requires limited term contracts. Despite good intentions (including willingness to take substantial pay cuts), people inevitably attack these attempts. I wonder how much of the "Google Transparency Project" funding is coming from existing federal contractors. Perhaps they should be transparent about themselves for a start.