Since when DU is "inappropriate" , tales from an Air Force Base.

[MikeNearMcChord]

I am going to open myself up here a little. I work at McChord AFB, though not as government employee or a member of the military. As when I am on my lunch break, and off the clock, I go to DU to read the forums as well as participating in them. My supervisor noticed that I was reading some posts and has deemed them to be "inappropriate" (I don't know why, there wasn't bad language on them), and ready to read me the riot act over use of the computer, it is not like I was downloading dirty pictures, which I don't do. Anyway the super is not happy in my taste of politics, does not like the fact I tune into Thom Hartman, in the mornings(sorry but I am not into sickly sweet, quasi-fascist Christian radio station, Ms. supervisor if you are reading this:hi: ) I turn off net when I do my work, and usually don't go back on until I get home. I work on a base where Fox News is de jour, and a branch of service, frankly has a problem with Fundie Christians, like at the AF Academy. I feel that there will be a confrontation, though I will do it with civil respect as I was taught from youth. Last I checked there is freedom of speech, Democratic Underground and the Democratic Party still have the right to function, though who knows with this group in the White House and I pray for the change to return this country back to normalcy and greatness begins in November. Thank You for my turn to stand on the soap box.:patriot:

[MadMaddie]

1. Hey Mike....thanks for informing us...of what is going on...

I suppose your boss has no problem with FOX news...it seems that your Boss has the problem....

[Suich]

2. You should post this in GD...

:hi:

[keopeli]

3. Hello neighbor, encouragement in your situation

I live in Seattle and have several friends who work at McChord. I just want to encourage you in standing up for your rights. The de-Republicanization of the military is going to take a while, but recent history shows movement in that direction. I assure you that there are many Democrats in the military, and many in high places. I hope this all works out for you and there is no undue pressure.

Peace

[MikeNearMcChord]

5. Thank You and Thank you all, for your encouragement.

Sorry to take awhile in responding, my DSL went awol(perhaps my next Journal should be about how Qwest DSL, is an evil GOP plot.:smoke:) Anyway I am fighting this, it is not like I talk politics at work, nor do I have Democratic Party icons in my workspace. And I am respectful of those who disagree(or I try as I can) but I feel this is somethimg more personal, I will try to resolve as peaceibly as I can

[mymomwasright]

4. Well there are two sides to this..

There's the little agreement you probably click on from the DOD that says you will use the puter in an official capacity, won't visit blogs, etc. I get one I have to click while logging on.

Then there's probably the fact that co-workers of yours probably blog at drudge, limbaugh, or what have you. I wouldn't make any posts while on the government computer. If your co-workers are frequenting wingnut pages, that's your defense. Same with the radio. You could try to point out Faux is BS, but that's usually an exercise in futility on a base.:patriot:

[Divernan]

6. This attorney agrees. There's no "right" to use your employer's puter

for personal or entertainment/business. The fact that other employees may do so (no matter what the content, and/or political leanings) does not protect you from getting fired for cause, i.e., no unemployment comp. I suppose this is where some young, hotheaded and legally naive DUers start screaming about how you could by god sue them! ! ! ! Easy for them to say - their job isn't at stake. Well, in the real world, at the very best, this means that IF you can find a lawyer to take your case on a 40% contingency fee, you're looking at years to fight this out, PLUS, no good job references for you and any prospective employer who finds out you were fired and then sued your former employer, would never hire you. The fact of suing an employer would follow you for your entire worklife.

I suggest you diary times when your conservative fellow employees blast political radio shows or use their computers for personal matters. Because at your next job review, you may find some pretty negative remarks going into your personnel file, and being passed over for a raise, with this issue given as the reason. One right you DO have is to refuse to sign off on a negative and/or unfair job review until you have had time to reply to it in writing (with a copy of your diary attached), at which point you could DOCUMENT that once your supervisor told you to stop, you did stop, but that other employees continued to break this rule. And no, you don't get in the face of other employees by saying you're keeping these notes. Do it privately and do NOT leave them in your workplace overnight.

I know several state employees who have used this tactic to great personal advantage.

[keopeli]

8. Most excellent advice for our patriot. Thanks for chiming in! n/t

[spindrifter]

7. Please arm yourself with a copy

of the computer usage rules. We are not supposed to use our computers for any partisan purpose whatsoever--which really is a crock, since there are plenty of "partisan" purposes that are part of our mission.