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Return to Article: Caution urged for executives seeking spots on nonprofit boards

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  HR Spec,
  You missed a branch... I just heard a news report about a sitting Justice of the SCOTUS frolicking at some resort with lobbyists that routinely pleaded before the SCOTUS. So much for appearances, ethics or decency. Hell, as a Fed if I want to go out and hustle a part time lawn mowing business, I have to get permission as it could interfere with my ability to perform my duties (guess Uncle is afraid I might be too tired to do his work)- what bullshit.

  If that weren't enough, we also get to witness liars and thieves roaming the halls of Capitol Hill spitting the Administration's venom at civil servants while other operatives threaten us with Hatch Act violations if we say too much or go too far. Those people (senior executives, politicians, appointees, congressionally approved appointees, et al.) are well, soulless. I sure hope their right wing constituents are correct because their hero's are sure to burn in hell.

  Finally, I read about a mixed group of politicians, corporate leaders and theologians who are meeting to try and define an 8th deadly sin, here's an idea: extreme naivety, "The ability to ignore the truth, especially regarding one's support of a politician, political party, religious stance or lack thereof."

  Cracked & Wired Posted January 27, 2006 10:16 AM
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  The irony of all of this is simply amazing.

  Here on one side we have substantial cases of lobbyists running around the government and influencing the highest levels of the legislative and executive branches to get decisions and laws good for their clients and the lobby pocketbooks -- we usually call this bribery. Where are the conflict of interest decisions based on this scandal?

  But on the other hand the government goes after federal employees who volunteer their time and energy to various non-profit associations whose sole purpose is to make life a little better for the civil service or for various programs. We usually call this civic duty and it's a good thing, but in the warped logic of the federal government it turns bad and for such volunteers, they get beaten up by the government on "appearance of conflict of interest" charges.

  There is something very wrong and unhealthy with this picture.

  All I can say is wow!

  HR Specialist

  GovExec.com reader Posted January 26, 2006 10:43 AM