"These days, government employees are better off in almost every area: pay, benefits, time off, and security, on top of working fewer hours. They can thrive even in a down economy"

Mortimer Zuckerman's quote suggests that civil servant remain in a much better position than most other workers in the present economy. He explains that they have higher pay, better benefits, more time off, and higher task security, along with working fewer hours. This suggests that government employees are most likely to be able to maintain their requirement of living even in a down economy, while other workers might have a hard time. This quote highlights the benefits of working for the federal government, and suggests that it is a more safe and secure choice than other kinds of work.