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RE: Technical author leading resistance to background checks at NASA
Subject:RE: Technical author leading resistance to background checks at NASA From:Gause_Brian -at- emc -dot- com To:<techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Wed, 5 Sep 2007 17:00:15 -0400
This is outrageous.
I think the US Courts will find that NASA, or any employer, cannot
request background checks of existing employees without prior evidence,
or even suspicion, of wrongdoing. I would be surprised to see this
withstand the legal challenges, at least in its current form. As far as
I understand California law, "To insist on drug testing an employee, an
employer must show a justification that outweighs the employee's right
to privacy, such as reasonable suspicion of drug use." In many other
instances, especially here in California, employers cannot check
'current employees' without suspicion.
Just what exactly is the legal motivation for these checks? So these
employees can keep their jobs and NASA can feel safe because they
believe, erroneously, that the credit rating and sexual proclivities of
employees indicates future job performance? I don't think this is
sufficient or necessary to countermand our 14th amendment right to
privacy, and our 4th amendment protection against unlawful search and
seizure. NASA and JPL may find it diifficult to run background checks on
current employees...at least I hope so.
And for anyone who's ever made a mistake, either legal, financial or
sexual, what of these people? So you're not going to get that job at
NASA because someone stole your credit card, ran up some debt, and now
you're fighting to fix your credit...after 3 years. And this is just one
example.
My biggest surprise is how easily the members of this group right off
their own privacy concerns in the wake of 9/11 fears. All these posts
and not one of you thinks this is outrageous? Have you guys actually
read your US Constitution?
Now I'm depressed...
Brian Gause
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+gause_brian=emc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+gause_brian=emc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
Behalf Of Melissa Nelson
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 1:13 PM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: Technical author leading resistance to background checks at
NASA
I was actually surprised to find out that NASA has TW jobs that are do
not
require a security clearance. I live in the DC area and it can be a bit
tough to find a tech writer job that does not require a clearance.
Melissa
>From: "Butler, Darren J Ctr 584 CBSS/GBHAC"
><Darren -dot- Butler -dot- ctr -at- Robins -dot- af -dot- mil>
>To: <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
>Subject: RE: Technical author leading resistance to background checks
at
>NASA
>Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2007 16:05:32 -0400
>
>On 4-Sep-07 Richard Combs wrote:
>
> >I suspect that in NASA at this point in time, their primary concern
>
>isn't jihadis or sellers of secrets to the Chicoms. They're more
>interested in whether you have a drinking problem or are likely to
drive
>cross-country wearing a diaper to attack a romantic rival.
>
>
>
>On 4-Sep-07 Darren J. Butler replied:
>
> Lol. Richard, you are probably right.
>
>Keep in mind that there are a lot of interchangeable parts between NASA
>(National *Aeronautical* and Space Administration) and USAF, so the
>military can be heavily involved. Even an *unclassified* area might be
>part a larger classified sphere. Again, the T/W staff is often the
>information intersection. If memory serves, JPL's security has been a
>bit porous in times past so I'm sure they are being understandably
>paranoid - No fun being on the receiving end though. Any Tech Writer
>working in that arena should understand that this kind of scrutiny is a
>possibility - doesn't mean it's always justified but it should not be a
>big shock.
>
>
>
>Blessings,
>
>Darren
>
>****************************************
>
>Darren J. Butler
>
>Sr. Technical Writer-Editor, Template Wrangler, Mil-Spec Pharisee
>
>Integrated Data for Maintenance
>
>NG Corp
>
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