-------- Original Message --------
Subject: congressional hearing photo,1 december 2016
Subject: congressional hearing photo,1 december 2016
Showing posts with label USDA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USDA. Show all posts
Monday, December 5, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Isaac Decatur mentioned you on Facebook
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Fwd: Isaac Decatur mentioned you on Facebook
Subject: Fwd: Isaac Decatur mentioned you on Facebook
Isaac Decatur mentioned you in a comment . Isaac Decatur October 17 at 11:40pm EEOC IS LIVING A LIE. EEOC's Jenny R. Yang, Carlton M. Hadden, Todd A. Cox, Milton A. Mayo Jr. Gary John Hozempa, Robert Barnhart, Peggy R. Mastroianni, Cynthia Pierre, have failed the American People. All above named individuals evidence proves they have knowledge that veterans affairs maintained a "BLACKLIST." UNITED STATES OF AMERICA EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION NEW ORLEANS ISTRICT OFFICE RALPH SAUNDERS Complaint VERSUS SERETARY, U.S. DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Agency EEOC NO. 270-2004-0019X, Agency No. 200l-0629-2003 101173 DATE March 12, 2005. DOCKET # 01A52529 Mr. Hunt's testimony, shown in his affidavit (it is submitted that this testimony is even compelling in the hearing of claims No. -00117x and 00013x on January 25, 2005). shows that Ms. Butler and Ms. Holliday had a "hit list" of persons who had filed prior EEO complaints against them and that these two supervisors wanted Mr. Saunders (and other EEO complainants) fired. In November, 2004 this list was already in existence and being acted on. Case 2:05-cv-00262-SS Document 43 Filed 04/03/2007 Page 19 of 20 HUNT AFFIDAVIT Porter submitted the affidavit of Al Hunt, III, with his opposition. Rec. doc. 38, Ex, 2 at pp. 1-5. Hunt's affidavit is dated November 10, 2004. It was submitted in connection with the complaint of Ralph Saunders before the EEOC. Hunt testified that Saunders and Isaac Decatur were placed on his team "from a list prepared by Ms. Holliday after approval by Ms. Butler that I later learned were on a black list." Rec. doc. 38, Ex, 2 at p1. The affidavit asserts that the black list was Butler's list. In addition to Saunders and Decatur, Hunt reports that Porter and three others, two men and one woman, were on the black list. These persons were black listed because they had filed EEO complaints against Butler and she wanted the supervisors to work to get rid of them. Rec. doc. 38, Ex, 2 at p.2. Most of the affidavit addresses issues concerning Saunders. Hunt states that Butler, Holliday and Cos abused the rules and wrongfully retaliated against theie subordinates. Rec. doc. 38, Ex, 2 at pp. 3-4. Case 2:05-cv-00262-SS Document 43 Filed 04/03/2007 Page 20 of 20. New Orleans, Louisiana, this 3rd day of April, 2007. SALLY SHUSHAN UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE. Evidence prove the EEOC covered up the "BLACKLIST" A proven patterns and practices of systematic violations of fdederal civil rights laws. ORGANIZED CORRUPTION. The EEOC system failed us all ask Ralph Saunders, Isaac Decatur, Ellenor P. Ratcliff, Janel Smith, Jerroll Sanders, David Jeffery Grogan, David Ray Sr, Morsie Porter Jobo Nem, Jerry Brown, Dr. James Tucker, Lawrence Lucas, Lesa Donnelly, Robert Donnelly, William Donnelly, Lorenzo Alston, Mary Felton
Isaac Decatur mentioned you in a comment.
Isaac Decatur
October 17 at 11:40pm
EEOC IS LIVING A LIE. EEOC's Jenny R. Yang, Carlton M. Hadden, Todd A. Cox, Milton A. Mayo Jr. Gary John Hozempa, Robert Barnhart, Peggy R. Mastroianni, Cynthia Pierre, have failed the American People. All above named individuals evidence proves they have knowledge that veterans affairs maintained a "BLACKLIST." UNITED STATES OF AMERICA EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION NEW ORLEANS ISTRICT OFFICE RALPH SAUNDERS Complaint VERSUS SERETARY, U.S. DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Agency EEOC NO. 270-2004-0019X, Agency No. 200l-0629-2003 101173 DATE March 12, 2005. DOCKET # 01A52529 Mr. Hunt's testimony, shown in his affidavit (it is submitted that this testimony is even compelling in the hearing of claims No. -00117x and 00013x on January 25, 2005). shows that Ms. Butler and Ms. Holliday had a "hit list" of persons who had filed prior EEO complaints against them and that these two supervisors wanted Mr. Saunders (and other EEO complainants) fired. In November, 2004 this list was already in existence and being acted on. Case 2:05-cv-00262-SS Document 43 Filed 04/03/2007 Page 19 of 20 HUNT AFFIDAVIT Porter submitted the affidavit of Al Hunt, III, with his opposition. Rec. doc. 38, Ex, 2 at pp. 1-5. Hunt's affidavit is dated November 10, 2004. It was submitted in connection with the complaint of Ralph Saunders before the EEOC. Hunt testified that Saunders and Isaac Decatur were placed on his team "from a list prepared by Ms. Holliday after approval by Ms. Butler that I later learned were on a black list." Rec. doc. 38, Ex, 2 at p1. The affidavit asserts that the black list was Butler's list. In addition to Saunders and Decatur, Hunt reports that Porter and three others, two men and one woman, were on the black list. These persons were black listed because they had filed EEO complaints against Butler and she wanted the supervisors to work to get rid of them. Rec. doc. 38, Ex, 2 at p.2. Most of the affidavit addresses issues concerning Saunders. Hunt states that Butler, Holliday and Cos abused the rules and wrongfully retaliated against theie subordinates. Rec. doc. 38, Ex, 2 at pp. 3-4. Case 2:05-cv-00262-SS Document 43 Filed 04/03/2007 Page 20 of 20. New Orleans, Louisiana, this 3rd day of April, 2007. SALLY SHUSHAN UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE. Evidence prove the EEOC covered up the "BLACKLIST" A proven patterns and practices of systematic violations of fdederal civil rights laws. ORGANIZED CORRUPTION. The EEOC system failed us all ask Ralph Saunders, Isaac Decatur, Ellenor P. Ratcliff, Janel Smith, Jerroll Sanders, David Jeffery Grogan, David Ray Sr, Morsie Porter Jobo Nem, Jerry Brown, Dr. James Tucker, Lawrence Lucas, Lesa Donnelly, Robert Donnelly, William Donnelly, Lorenzo Alston, Mary Felton
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Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Capitol Hill 2008, Whistleblower Week in Washington (W3) Highlights - YouTube
I am so appalled that this much time has lapsed and remembering that a Congress Woman
ordered hearings, and for someone to help retrieve the names of all individuals involved,the one
who stood and said she would never did do anything...that same Congressional Woman stood at this same very time in front of all of these people and cameras and apologized to me for what the Government did to me and my family and still no hearings(there were never any hearings beside this
one in the video)
-melissa seaver
ordered hearings, and for someone to help retrieve the names of all individuals involved,the one
who stood and said she would never did do anything...that same Congressional Woman stood at this same very time in front of all of these people and cameras and apologized to me for what the Government did to me and my family and still no hearings(there were never any hearings beside this
one in the video)
-melissa seaver
Subject: Capitol Hill 2008, Whistleblower Week in Washington (W3) Highlights - YouTube
ms. seaver testified at this may 2008, whistleblower conference, on capitol hill. i was on the dais with congressionals and others hearing testimonies. former congressman walter fauntroy was the chair that year.
lawrence lucas
Friday, July 24, 2015
Secretary Vilsack testifies before Agriculture Committee on agency overs...
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2015 13:11:11 -0400
Subject: Fwd: Secretary Vilsack testifies before Agriculture Committee on agency overs...
From: agrepublicanpress@mail.house.gov
To: lawrlcl@aol.com
Sent: 7/22/2015 12:32:24 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Secretary Vilsack testifies before Agriculture Committee on agency oversight and accountability
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Haley Graves July 22, 2015 (202) 225-2171
Today, the House Agriculture Committee held a public hearing to conduct general oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack testified, taking questions from committee members on various programs and projects the department manages and executes. Members referenced reports by USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong (OIG) and the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
"I appreciate Secretary Vilsack's time and cooperation today as the committee held its first oversight hearing since I became chairman. It is incumbent on our committee to conduct robust oversight and ensure that USDA is using taxpayer dollars in a responsible, efficient manner. I am greatly concerned by the IG's findings that reveal considerable failure in two important areas – namely IT management and the mismanagement of certain cooperative agreements and grants. Further, the Department has not implemented certain recommendations of the IG in these areas. The Department has failed to rectify these problems by recovering taxpayer dollars or holding those responsible accountable. I hope our increased efforts to highlight matters like these will encourage better stewardship of the Department's resources. Our nation's farmers, ranchers, and all taxpayers, deserve to know their hard-earned tax dollars are being used appropriately," said Chairman K. Michael Conaway, Chairman of the Agriculture Committee.
Written testimony provided by the witness from today's hearing is linked below. Click here for more information, including Chairman Conaway's opening statement, and the archived webcast.
Witness List:
Panel I
The Honorable Tom Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
###
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Wednesday, May 20, 2015
The OSC Report Finding Wrongdoing by USDA-OASCR Is Now POSTED!!!
Date: Wed, 20 May 2015 15:35:11 -0400
Subject: Fwd: The OSC Report Finding Wrongdoing by USDA-OASCR Is Now POSTED!!!
this is as good as it can get in terms of proof as to how dysfunctional/abusive usda civil rights has been under the joe leonard leadership. we told secretary tom vilsack and the white house how bad things were and they ignored us for years.
the us supreme court is on notice as well.....Black farmer case.
we want this posted on our web page ASAP.
thank you.
redacted
Subject: The OSC Report Finding Wrongdoing by USDA-OASCR Is Now POSTED!!!
Hello All!
Please go to www.osc.gov. then click on: 1) Resources, 2) then click on: Public Files, 3) then click on FY 2015, 4) THEN GO TO USDA
Happy Reading!!!
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
FW: Please sign our petition and forward to as many others as possible.
a
-------- Original message --------
Subject: Please sign our petition and forward to as many others as possible.
From: Ferrell
To: lawrence lucas ,"Leroy Smith, Jr." ,Corey lea ,dexter davis ,Rod Bradshaw ,"bradshaw@fairpoint.net" ,Cameron Bradshaw ,robert binion ,robert binion ,"lhaskins55@gmail.com" ,"breckenridgefarms@yahoo.com" ,"Miles J. Edwards" ,Elizabeth Campbell ,michael mccray ,"" ,"Linda R. White" ,celdridge@birminghamtimes.com,Toby Carter ,"michaelstovallfarms@gmail.com" ,Pete Daniel ,Ridgely Muhammad ,Lesa Donnelly ,Iyata Safari ,Isaac Decatur
CC:
-------- Original message --------
Subject: Please sign our petition and forward to as many others as possible.
From: Ferrell
To: lawrence lucas ,"Leroy Smith, Jr." ,Corey lea ,dexter davis ,Rod Bradshaw ,"bradshaw@fairpoint.net" ,Cameron Bradshaw ,robert binion ,robert binion ,"lhaskins55@gmail.com" ,"breckenridgefarms@yahoo.com" ,"Miles J. Edwards" ,Elizabeth Campbell ,michael mccray ,"" ,"Linda R. White" ,celdridge@birminghamtimes.com,Toby Carter ,"michaelstovallfarms@gmail.com" ,Pete Daniel ,Ridgely Muhammad ,Lesa Donnelly ,Iyata Safari ,Isaac Decatur
CC:
Hello!
I've started the petition "Barack Obama: Stop the egregious hate crimes committed against the Independent Black Farmers and the USDA employees. Demand USDA to settle the cases of The IBF and employees on the merits of each case." and need your help to get it off the ground.
Will you take 30 seconds to sign it right now? Here's the link:
http://www.change.org/petitions/barack-obama-stop-the-egregious-hate-crimes-committed-against-the-independent-black-farmers-and-the-usda-employees-demand-usda-to-settle-the-cases-of-the-ibf-and-employees-on-the-merits-of-each-case
Here's why it's important:
This petition was started as a result of the US Dept. of Agriculture and the federal courts in all districts of the United States not following the laws when it comes to Black farmers. Americans should sign this petition because of the blatant egregious widespread discrimination at USDA Better known as "The Last Plantation." Black farmers need equal protection under the laws of the United States of America! Signing this petition can impact the lives of tens of thousands of Black farmers and their heirs across America. There are 14,000 plus cases of discrimination inside USDA unresolved, they need to be settled.
You can sign my petition by clicking here.
Thanks!
Ferrell C. Oden
Monday, March 10, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Check out Festival Selections
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 22:31:03 -0500
Subject: Check out Festival Selections
see the below. this is what the old civil rights advocates do to bring about change.
there is more to come.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Farm News: AG: Farmers beware of litigation schemes - News - Dothan Eagle
Subject: Check out AG: Farmers beware of litigation schemes - News - Dothan Eagle
Friday, November 22, 2013
FW: Tahoe Hotshots, Alcohol, Death
To: Oscar.Gonzales@osec.usda.gov; Arthur.Blazer@osec.usda.gov; meryl.harrell@osec.usda.gov; Krysta.Harden@osec.usda.gov; Secretary.Vilsack@osec.usda.gov; valerie_jarrett@who.eop.gov;
Subject: Re: Tahoe Hotshots, Alcohol, Death
When the Hotshots were driving back from an "end of season party."Were there incidents of alcohol, drugs, assault, sexual assault, driving under the influence and other incidents from these parties that are condoned and even encouraged by FS management starting with the managers and instructors at Wildland Apprentice Academy at McClellan? Will managers be held accountable for these improper and unprofessional behaviors and attitudes or will these incidents continue?
Some of the same unprofessional behaviors and attitudes are thrown down to
all branches of the USDA including the way that Customer Farmer's are Targeted and have been targeted even before they become customer/farmers, they are trapped into bogus loans to steal property that has been in American Farm Families for generations, the Bonus for foreclosure at the USDA has led to fraud waste and abuse and much wasted tax payer dollars, non compliance in the unlawful and unethical treatment of the American Farmers and USDA Employees in the unprofessional manner that USDA Management, civil rights office , OIG, and a whole host of collaborative agency players have unlawfully, fraudulently gainfully benefited
by these horrendous practices they have collutioned against anyone who wasnt partaking in the Legacy practices of coveting or stealing what thy neighbor(s) have.
In loo of the above an automatic investigation into all previous allegations should be
started as soon as possible so that the accountability and transparency.
-melissa
---
On 11/22/13 12:33 AM, Lesa Donnelly wrote:
How many people have to die before the agency gets serious about changing the culture of drugs, alcohol, sex, and violence as acceptable firefighter behaviors?
CAMPTONVILLE, California — A forest firefighter lying in a road was run over and killed by a colleague in a sparely populated stretch of Northern California in a bizarre early morning traffic incident involving alcohol, authorities said Monday.
California Highway Patrol investigators said a driver in Yuba County early Saturday spotted a man, Michael Patrick Kelly, 32, lying in the road about 3 miles from Camptonville, California, which is about 80 miles north of Sacramento.
The unidentified driver flashed his high beams in a failed attempt to warn an approaching vehicle that it was on a collision course with the man in the road.
The small car with six passengers, driven by Andrew Gruenberg, 26, struck Kelly, who was pronounced dead at the scene with head and torso injuries, the CHP said.
After hitting Kelly, Gruenberg traveled another 2 miles to his destination, telling investigators later that he believed he ran over an animal. A passenger called 911 and reported the collision and a "hazard in the roadway."
After arriving at his destination, two of Kelly's passengers got into another car and drove back to the accident site, where they encountered emergency crews.
"Alcohol appears to be a factor in the collision," CHP officer Greg Tassone. Tassone declined to release any further details, saying the investigation is still active. He did not say who authorities think was drinking.
The U.S. Forest Service said Kelly was a full-time employee and squad boss for the Tahoe Hotshots Crew, which is based in Camptonville.
Gruenberg is a member of the same crew.
--
Lesa L. Donnelly
We have lost our sense of shame. — Colin Powell
--
Lesa L. Donnelly
We have lost our sense of shame. — Colin Powell
Lesa L. Donnelly
We have lost our sense of shame. — Colin Powell
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
FW: (no subject)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9, 2013
CONTACT: Ayofemi Kirby
CONTACT: Ayofemi Kirby
(202) 226-9776
Ayofemi.Kirby@mail.house.gov
Ayofemi.Kirby@mail.house.gov
Readout of the Congressional Black Caucus' Meeting with President Obama
WASHINGTON,DC (Link)- Today, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) met with President Barack Obama about voting rights, education, poverty and economic issues, and immigration reform in theEisenhower Executive Office Building.
During the meeting, CBC Members discussed the urgency of addressing high student loan interest rates and changes to the Parent PLUS loan program that have adversely impacted students and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); ways to address poverty and the high unemployment rate within the African American community; and ways to increase opportunities for minority small business owners in both urban and rural communities. The CBC also discussed how critical comprehensive immigration reform is to immigrants of all nationalities and to raising the quality of life for American workers.
In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision on the Voting Rights Act, the President reaffirmed his administration's commitment to fighting discriminatory practices in voting requirements across the country and to working with the CBC on legislation that protects every American's right to vote. President Obama committed to working with the CBC on targeted strategies to address unemployment among African Americans and highlighted the importance of passing immigration reform legislation that includes immigrants of African andCaribbean descent. The President was also receptive to many recommendations posed by the CBC to address issues facing our nation's vulnerable communities, including the10-20-30 targeted plan to end poverty.
###
Ayofemi Kirby
Communications Director
Congressional Black Caucus (Media Kit) (Newsletter)
2344Rayburn House Office Building
o: (202) 226-6715 | Cell: (202) 603-3957
Friday, April 26, 2013
Check out Farm Loan Bias Claims, Often Unsupported, Cost U.S. Millions - NYTi
you must read all 8 stories associated with this story.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
URGENT: Claims Process Deadline - ONLY A FEW DAYS REMAIN
From: thea@ruralco.org
To: lawrlcl@aol.com
Sent: 4/24/2013 6:15:29 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: URGENT: Claims Process Deadline - ONLY A FEW DAYS REMAIN
Hi, just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Rural Coalition. Don't forget to add bryn@ruralco.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!
You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.
ACTION ALERT: FINAL DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR HISPANIC & WOMEN FARMERS AND RANCHERS
CLAIMS PROCESS - ONLY A FEW DAYS REMAIN!!
- You sought a farm loan or farm loan servicing during the period 1981 through 1996 or mid-October 1998 through mid-October 2000;
- The loan or loan servicing was denied, approved for a lesser amount than requested, approved with restrictive conditions, or provided late; USDA failed to provide appropriate loan servicing; or USDA actively discouraged you from applying for the loan or loan servicing; and
- You believe these actions were based on your being Hispanic or female.
There are only a few days remaining for claimants to file their claims form. Please read information below on filing the form on time given the short time remaining.It is critical to submit claims forms, on/or before midnight, on May 1, 2013. Any claims filed after midnight, May 1, 2013, will be denied. Please read and pass along the following requirements for claims:If you think you might be eligible for this claims process:1. You should also work immediately to prepare your complete claim for filing. To do so, first contact the Claims Administrator (EPIQ) at 1-888-508-4429 or www.farmerclaims.gov as soon as possible to request that your individually numbered claims form be sent to you. Your completed form must be POSTMARKED no later than May 1, 2013. We strongly suggest you get a receipt from the post office.Mail your information to:USDA Hispanic & Women Farmers and RanchersClaims AdministratorP. O. Box 4540Portland, OR 97208-45402. We also strongly suggest you immediately seek assistance from an attorney or an advocate to move forward on preparing a complete form with all necessary documentation. The process of filing a claim is complex, and assistance from a lawyer or an advocate experienced in the process is strongly advised. In order to seek an attorney to help prepare your claim, please click the following "live" link to find an attorney in your area: Legal Assistance List. (This link updates as new attorneys register & receive training on the claims process).3. Claimants who file claims, on/or before midnight, May 1, 2013, but whose claims are incomplete WILL most likely be considered. We understand that claimants who submit incomplete claims will receive a letter from the Claims Administrator, EPIQ Systems, indicating what information is missing from their claim. Claimants will have the opportunity to file a completed claims form, within the time indicated, in your letter from EPIQ. These claimants will have the opportunity after the Claims Deadline to submit the missing information. Therefore, if you have just learned about the process, complete as much of the form as you are able and mail with a letter explaining you just learned of the process and will submit missing information as soon as you are able.Rural Coalition also has a list of advocates who are available to assist claimants. Please request this list by sending an email to HWFRClaims@ruralco.org.Questions and concerns may be addressed to Rural Coalition and staff at: HWFRClaims@ruralco.orgAdditional information is available from USDA Office of Advocacy & Outreach follow this link to their website: http://www.outreach.usda.gov/
Rural Coalition1029 Vermont Ave Suite 601
Washington, DC 20005
Please send any questions or feedback to
This email was sent to lawrlcl@aol.com by thea@ruralco.org |Rural Coalition | 1029 Vermont Avenue NW | Suite 601 | Washington | DC | 20005
New film looks at ‘War on Whistleblowers’
New film looks at 'War on Whistleblowers'
By Joe Davidson, Published: April 23
The Obama administration's approach to federal whistleblowers has been likened to "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."
On the good doctor's side, President Obama has important accomplishments in protecting the rights of whistleblowers. Yet whistleblower advocates are fuming at the administration's actions against federal employees whom it considers to be leakers of national security information.
"There's a schizophrenia within the administration," said Tom Devine, legal director of the nonprofit Government Accountability Project. "It's been Obama versus Obama on whistleblower policy. Until recently, there was a virtual free-speech advocacy for whistleblower job rights that's unprecedented, more than any other president in history.
"At the same time," Devine added, "he has willingly allowed the Justice Department to prosecute whistleblowers on tenuous grounds."
That last point — the Mr. Hyde side — is the focus of the new film "War on Whistleblowers: Free Press and the National Security State." (Disclosure: The documentary features comments by Dana Priest, a Washington Post colleague.) It is a project of the Brave New Foundation, a social justice advocacy organization. The film is being shown in theaters in New York City and Los Angeles, but the main distribution channels will be iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and cable systems.
The Justice Department rejects the notion that it is overzealous in its prosecution of those the government calls national security leakers.
"Unauthorized disclosures of classified information cause damage to our national security and we take the investigation and prosecution of such matters very seriously," Dean Boyd, a Justice Department spokesman, said via e-mail. "In these and all other cases, Justice Department investigators and prosecutors follow the facts and the law to determine whether charges are appropriate."
The Justice Department does not target whistleblowers, he added: "However, we cannot condone the knowing and willful disclosure of classified information to the media or others not entitled to such information. An individual in authorized possession of classified information has no authority or right to unilaterally determine that it should be made public or otherwise disclose it."
The film recognizes the president's good side, with a quick nod by Danielle Brian, executive director of the Project on Government Oversight. The "good news," she said, is passage of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, which Obama supported, and his directive providing protection for national security whistleblowers. That mention, however, is not until 59 minutes into the 66-minute film.
Balanced? No. But the stories about the government's aggressive moves against federal employees who worked to uphold the finest traditions of public service are chilling and deserve the notice and outrage the film hopes to generate.
Franz Gayl's is the first case presented. The Defense Department civilian employee was punished for his efforts to save the lives of U.S. troops at war.
"Hundreds of Marines were tragically lost and probably thousands maimed unnecessarily, so I said, let's replace the Humvees with what are called MRAPs, Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles," he says in the film.
After taking his concerns to Pentagon officials with no luck, he went to the news media. Then the blowback hit. He was stripped of his security clearance, the lifeline for national security workers, and suspended.
"They were using all these personnel actions against me," he said. "I'm the substandard employee, bottom 3 percent, unreliable, untrustworthy, et cetera, et cetera. After investigations and after all these personnel actions and reprisals, I was placed on administrative leave.
"I was fearful. If I have to leave the government now and I don't have security clearances, we're gonna have to move away. I can't get a job around here. You can't do anything without a security clearance around [the] D.C. area. I knew that life was gonna go 'foof,' fall off a cliff."
Gayl was fortunate to have whistleblower advocates who cushioned his fall. And in November 2011, after intervention by an Office of Special Counsel that was re-energized by Obama, the military's threat to suspend Gayl indefinitely was lifted and his security clearance was reinstated.
There's a lot left out of his story in this space, and similar stories of other whistleblowers can't be mentioned at all. Gayl's is a distressing tale of Uncle Sam playing the bully, making life hell for a federal employee who fought to better protect American troops.
"I'm now working back at the Pentagon in the office from which I was removed," Gayl says at the end of the film. "I feel very lucky, because I received a lot of support from a lot of outsiders that I don't think every person in my situation gets."
The film makes you wonder how many more trampled, and largely unknown, federal whistleblowers like Gayl are out there.
Twitter: @JoeDavidsonWP Previous columns by Joe Davidson are available at wapo.st/JoeDavidson.© The Washington Post Company
--
Thanks!Linda Epstein
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Press Release
USDA Coalition of Minority Employees and Alabama NAACP "Stand for Justice" with Independent Black Farmers against USDA Discrimination and CorruptionPress ConferenceTuesday, March 19th 2013 at 10:00amKelly Ingram Park, Birmingham, AL 35203Out-of-State Reporters can join by phone at 866-508-2264 Passcode: 2127510
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