Originally posted by Nilsen
forbidden to have a public opinion? i thought you lived in a democracy 
The way it was explained to me was that as a paid representitve of the goverment any thing I say publicly could be seen as an offical endorsment by the goverment, and that by making such statements I am misusing my office and position, especially when no exact position has been set forth by my department. In the same vein of thought Gvt Employees cant "run" for partisan public office, hold shares of stock in companys working on projects they can have "inside" knowlage about, or make statements that could conflict with offical policy.
This dosent mean that I can't have an opinion, just that If I state it and some one hearing it knows I work for the Govt, they could take it as official policy, which would then be an abuse of my position as a Govt worker.
This is a rule that has some teeth to it too. Just recently they fired an Air Traffic Controller that ran for Mayor of Albuquerque for infringing that regluation.
I dont mind too much, as the pay is good, a lot of the tech is cutting edge, and I can say I help keep the puplic safe as they travel.
My opinion counts, but it has to stay "mine"
Gunns
