@BusyMommy
Thanking the federal government would be like thanking an insurance company IMO.
Although there may be a justified expectation for people to do there jobs. acknowledging and thanking someone for doing a good job, going above the minimum standards expected or doing an noticeably good / great / exceptional job should in my opinion ALWAYS be acknowledged or credited just as a matter of civil behavior.
When I was burglarized some years ago - my agent handling my claim did an exceptional job in my opinion - with what I expected to be a fight to be compensated in my claim.
I made sure her and her supervisor was aware of my appreciation - you may be surprised at how these little gestures will come back over life. I was surprised at their feedback regarding how rare this occurs.
why should we not thank / acknowledge anyone for a job well done?
Whether it is a social security clerk, a dps clerk, or a policemen - many of these people we are forced to interact with have the power/ability to make our experience positive or miserable -