The Week in Comments: Attacks on feds, attacks on pay and attacks from Iran
The best in reader reaction to recent articles.
A roundup of some of the comments received this week in the GovExec.com Mailbag. All comments are presented in their original, unedited form.
On FBI to launch nationwide facial recognition service
Only criminals and those that support them need worry about the facial recognition program. It's not proof positive, it's a starting point as to the identification of the criminal.
Big Brother is expanding as predicted. When are all going to be required to have an identification number embedded in our body so the government can track our every move? It's coming, that's for sure.
Those that are afraid of a biometric identification system, are also those that have somthing to hid. A biometric ID System is the only way to truly protect our civil liberties as well as our Financial and National Security
I'm more worried about big business using these types of toys along with cell phone tracking, web site monitoring, RFID tags, etc.
On Consumer bureau nomination remains divisive
True Dat! Why is the GOP so opposed to protecting hardworking American consumers?
There have been many mistakes by Congress that increased the risk of poor fiscal management by private sector businesses. This new agency, however, should not have unchecked power to regulate or crucify a business based on its own judgement. I read the legislation establishing this organization and I am concerned about its level of power. If the dems view this organization as absolutely necessary, why not have checks and balances? If the agency performs as designed, the checks and balances should not impede the work of the agency.
On Blame government for ATM fees, Bachmann says
I blame the government for the price increase on Netflix DVDs!
Banks are legalized loan sharks. don't be fooled by them or their lackeys (Bachman!, Tea Party!, GOP!). And how many millions in bonuses did their executives rake in while they cry poor house and raise fees???
To YY: So tell me please, what are the democrats doing about this new fee? That's right, absolutely nothing!
At first, ATMs were free because the banks were saving millions in lower labor costs by laying off tellers, etc. Then, the banks found they could "double down" by charging for something that was already saving them money!
Bachmann is among the eight GOP presidential contenders that over simplify all the country's problems; Big Government, 999, repeal Obama care and Change banks if you don't like the fees. America is a wonderful country because we allow everyone to be heard no matter how flawed they are. The other 99% of us will vote in 2012 and change Banks and Politicians. Each time we listen to Bachmann it adds another count to the indictment of the American educational system.
On Federal officials thwart alleged Iranian-planned attack on U.S. soil
I find it very curious (and convenient) how our DOJ could stop an assassination attempt but could not prevent semi-automatic weapons from being sold to Mexican drug cartels who then murdered American and Mexican citizens with them. These murders also included Customs and border Patrol officers. Attention will come back to this and those responsible will be held accountable regardless of how high up the chain of command is found to be rotten.
I had proposed (but got no reply) to one our Senators that the Senator propose to Congress that any family of a neutralized US citizen, whose family emigrated from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, or any country, who is found guilty of planning or committing a terrorist act, be stripped of their status and expelled from the US. While it may only be a proposal with no action taken, the individuals thinking of going to Afghanistan for terrorist training or planning a terrorist act may think twice before acting.
Now if this country secures its border how can the New World Order that Soros and Obama want ever be achieved? A world with no countries, you will be a citizen of the world and not a country.
Tea is better for you than koolaid
On Lawmaker urges end to early federal retirement
So... encouraging people to retire early saves enough money to make it worth buying them out, but not letting them retire early is also a needed step to save money? Something doesn't add up. le will be held accountable regardless of how high up the chain of command is found to be rotten.
Vote these bums out! They are wasting time by attacking the workers when it is their abusive spending and pork that has balooned the deficit. Shame.
If the GOP wants to join the "race to the bottom", why do they have to involve the American people? Why don't they just ruin their own lives and leave us alone? I often wonder what this nation could acheive without these congressional millstones around its neck...
"Working as a waiter or waitress is more physically demanding than most federal government positions for which we now grant early retirement" says the republican rep who hasn't worked a single day since he's been in office other than to block, stall or filibuster every attempt to get something done by other responsible representatives or by the current president! Notice that his proposal doesn't affect HIS retirement!
How will they make room for those 30 year old GS-14's with the big brains on their chests and marketing degrees to get ahead?
On EEOC threatens furloughs for employees
In my code white males are by far the minority. And I mean by a ton. What discrimination?
This would be the most positive action in streamlining government and the misuse of the system. Goferit!
EEOC is a good place to start, but don't stop there. Let's furlough the employees of the EPA and the Interior Department as well. That way we might get the energy sector going again. The EEOC doesn't do anything except provide cover for worthless individuals that play the race card whenever we try to get rid of them for legitimate reasons. These suggestions are a start. There are plenty more out there.
On The IRS isn't watching purchase card transactions closely enough, study finds
Sounds like the folks at the IRS are having a great time at the expense of the American taxpayer. The rules don't apply to us, do they IRS? I hope we throw you all out in 2012.
Should the IRS be using non-preferred vendors?
I worked at DOD several years and had an authorized Government credit card. When on official travel, if I had to change my travel plans, I was able to use the card at the ariport to purchase an airline ticket at the Government rate. I never abused the card by using it for personal purposes. However I know of several co-workers that did, including using it for personal travel. I believe that this use of the Government credit card is not unusual.
On Cut Congress' pay, lawmaker proposes
If I made $174,00 per year. I would not mind my salary being frozen. I do not earn the $74,000. They ought to be ashamed of themselves with such a decent salary and 3/4 of Americans are out of work.
Congress is more concerned with attacking federal employees than they are with attacking terrorists. If federal employees are such a monstrous threat to the economy, making up less than 0.01% of the total budget and deficit, then why not just offer early-outs to all eligible federal employees across all federal agencies? Give us a break with this ridiculous nonsense already.
While this proposal sounds noble and for the good of the country, there isn't a snowball's chance that congress will back it. It's all theatrical.
On Lawmakers urge super committee to address contractor salary cap
I think we should cap congress salaries and total compensation form at $200K also. Any funds from their salaries, speaking tours, books, or public appearances made while in office should be capped at $200K. I also think we should cap the AFGE manager salaries also. John Gage makes more than $200K a year. The AFGE representatives at Federal agencies are Government employees their salaries are paid by taxpayers not the AFGE. Yet all the dues collected go to the Union.
With 9 percent unemployment and lawyers seeking clerk jobs, a lot of talent can be bought for $200,000 annual salary. And where does it say that the CEO of a small firm has to make much more than that? The ownership stake can take care of the insiders via dividends.
I don't get it. If federal employees are "overpaid", as we always hear, shouldn't the contractors be begging to be paid at the same rate as feds?
The government has no business sticking its nose into what a company pays its employees. If the government selects a company after reviewing the proposal and deemed them the best qualified for the cost, then it should only be concerned with performance. Hey Obama, how about expanding this to a restriction on how much union employees can make? Better yet why not have the government control how much any American citizen can make "for the good of the state"?
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