You have to feel sorry for the pundits these days. For more than a year, they have salivated over the Clinton-Obama duel, filling our newspapers and TVs with the latest juicy tidbits from the Democratic grudge match. And now it's all over.

So now what? What can possibly fill the void?

I might suggest that, at least briefly, we could talk about some issues that do not generally capture much media attention. How about, for example, discussing the public sector? How about some articles on the looming public sector personnel crisis as the Baby Boomers retire? How about a talk show devoted to how we recruit and retain a new generation of public servants?

The next president faces monumental challenges in the public sector, not the least of which is a profound problem that plagues public service: the public's negative perception of what government and government employees do. To address this negative perception, the next president will have to use the bully pulpit to combat the culture of disrespect that has grown since days when our president lectured us about how "government is the problem." He will have to come up with bold, innovative, and exciting policy proposals that can capture the imagination and appeal to the idealism of the young.
 
One of the most exciting ideas that the next president should embrace is the U.S. Public Service Academy, which would be the civilian counterpart to the military service academies. Students enrolled in the Public Service Academy would get a free undergraduate education, following a liberal arts curriculum focused on service and leadership development. In return, they would be required to serve for five years in public sector jobs following graduation. Job placements would center around areas of critical need and positions of strategic importance at the local, state, and federal levels.
 
The proposed Academy would be located in Washington, D.C. - although other cities, including Philadelphia and Seattle, have been jockeying to host the school. It would cost roughly $205 million annually - 80 percent of which would be covered by the federal government and the rest through donations and grants.
 
Unlike much of what you may be hearing on the campaign trail, the Public Service Academy is not a spur-of-the-campaign-moment trial balloon. It is a grassroots initiative that has attracted thousands of supporters nationwide. There's even a bill in Congress to create the Academy - 19 senators and 96 representatives have signed on as co-sponsors.

Sen. Clinton was an early champion of the bill. Now that she is out of the race, Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain have the opportunity to take up the flag.  Thus far, neither has endorsed the bill. 
 
Looking to get involved?

You can help encourage one or both candidates and your congressman to embrace the Academy by writing letters or calling their offices.

Additionally, volunteer supporters from around the country have helped advance the Academy. Visit the website to find out how you too can volunteer.

Also Interesting:

Obama urges grads to enter public service
The federal workforce of tomorrow
How appealing is public service? A new poll has the answer
Non-profit launches new initiative to recruit talented, young federal workers