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Return to Article: VA info security chief says he had impossible task

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  Congress should vacate VA, & all the vets organizations, & go National Health! Some of the VA Hospitals are sewers!They are using graduate students to diagnose these very ill vets. Many vets are killed in VA hospitals due to foreign doctors that can't pass AMB.

  Lee Wright Posted December 23, 2008 7:29 PM
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  As Paul Harvey would say, "And here is the rest of the story." Speaking as a VA employee of almost 35 years, I know well of the "old boy" and now the "old girl" network. There is more corruption every day within the VA system and U.S. government. Yes, it's easy to point the finger but there are always two sides to the story. I'll bet some of the finger pointers would have done no differently.

  First let's look at the 34-year GS-14 data analyst. He had approval from agency officials and informed them within one hour of the theft. Why is he at fault? Did he know he was breaking the rules and if he did what was he to do? Was he to refuse to do as he was instructed or become was he to become a whistleblower? Most intelligent government workers now know that only fools would go that route. No I don't blame him and would bet he will win his legal battle and we the taxpayers will pay a nice settlement for another VA mistake.

  Now, let's look at Cadenas. Cadenas was probably in the same boat. The VA (like other government agencies) has a habit of producing a lot of smoke and mirrors to make it appear it is doing things by the book but in reality it isn't. Some say well why didn't he move on earlier? But the VA retirement system makes it difficult to just stop and throw it all away. I'll bet most of us would not have the courage to throw a career retirement away by whistleblowing when we have family depending on us. I don't know Cadenas but I don't think he was afraid of having the power to implement regulations. Implementing them isn't usually the problem, but enforcing them is. I think Cadenas' resignation came when he finally realized the magnitude of the theft, and that the system was too corrupt to ever change and that he had no possibility of success. Why not look at why he wasn't given the proper authority and support in the first place? Nicholson's remarks concerning staff resignations are rather stupid and make no sense. Things like this go on every day. If people only knew the rest of the story.

  GovExec.com reader Posted July 6, 2006 8:12 AM
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  "The department has no interest in doing the right thing," Cadenas said. "I was trained to do things the right way, not the good old boy way."

  It is good to see that this process runs through other government agencies. Just wait until you see the good old boy system work on "pay for performance" in DoD! Not only will the good old boys get promoted but they also will get the lion's share of the pay raises!

  Also, this guy did not have three years to make this decision. The responsibilities were only placed on him after the problems surfaced! He never had the responsibility or authority to do anything about security before the problem surfaced. Only then did an incompetent management place the blame on the IT guy and send him forth as the sacrifice.

  Taxpayer Posted July 6, 2006 8:11 AM
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  Something I learned a long time ago apparently is not built into this guy's moral obligation as a professional. Is he willing to take ownership of the bad as well as the good? Most executives are more than eager to pat themselves on the back when it comes to success of their agency, but when it comes to the bad they look for a scapegoat and offer plenty reasons why the system just doesn't work. This is the same attitude prevalent in the federal workforce. Instead of NSPS and MaxHR, why don't we just hire competent executives who are willing to take responsibility for their jobs instead of delegating the authorities that they were given.

  Dean Posted July 6, 2006 8:06 AM
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  So, it took Cardenas three years and seven months before "conscience and professionalism" got him to quit. Why did it take so long for his "conscience and professionalism" to become operative?

  Or, was it finally the likelihood of being given the authority to implement improvements that he knew he was incapable of doing so that prompted his resignation? Akin to those who complain about how the president, CEOs, and the like are doing terrible jobs yet if they were suddenly thrust into the position would only be able to soil their pants.

  Obviously, staying with the department for three years and seven months indicates that Cadenas also had "no interest in doing the right thing." After 6 months of trying to do the right thing, a person of integrity would have sought employment elsewhere or bet their job on rocking the boat. He's likely been lying to himself so it should not be a problem to lie to veterans. Except that they could perhaps challenge him about his lies.

  Regarding the 34-year GS-14 data analyst who lost the laptop via theft, yes, we want to encourage people who make errors to admit to them so that the errors can be addressed. But should there be no consequences for mistakes? For example, if someone crashes into your car and totals it, would an admission from the errant driver that he/she totaled your car be sufficient? Would it be acceptable to you for them to just turn and walk away after their admission?

  Bob Speth Posted July 1, 2006 9:48 AM
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  As a 26-year employee, I can say that it is easy to lead dramatic change in VA. The secret is that one needs to clearly articulate the needed change and rationale for the change.

  Whining about one's inability to not create change will not lead to change.

  Good riddance.

  Mike Moreland Posted July 1, 2006 12:37 AM