A Halloween Original
Before the flap over the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Halloween party fades into the mists of time, I can't resist asking a question: Somebody shows up to the party wearing a set of stereotypical cliches in the form of "dreadlocks, dark makeup and prison stripes," and their costume is deemed most original? What was everybody else at the party wearing? White sheets?
On second thought, I don't want to know the answer to that.
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Government Executive Staff Correspondent Alyssa Rosenberg takes a look at news affecting the management and operations of the massive federal bureaucracy.
Were they civil servants or political hires? What were the grades?
Wise Old Owl Posted Wednesday, November 7, 2007 4:09 PMWas this party thrown on "company time?" If not, so what? If this costume was so offensive, perhaps the offended party should seek counsel and pursue a civil court case and let Secretary Chertoff stay attuned to matters that legitimately require his attention.
R U kidding me?? Posted Wednesday, November 7, 2007 7:49 PMI don't know what it is about federal law enforcement agency personnel that just love to "skate on thin ice!" The ATF "trophy" photographs at Waco, the FBI barbecue in Virginia, and now this! Be afraid, be very afraid!
Veteran Posted Thursday, November 8, 2007 6:53 AMTo "R U kidding me" - You've got to be kidding ME. How could you think this is not a matter that legitimately requires the Secretary's attention? It involves one of his direct reports (the ICE Chief) and more importantly it involves a "regular, run-of-the-mill" employee.
One of the problems at DHS is that employees don't feel like they're valued
(and if you don't believe it, look at the agency's scores on the 2004 and 2006 Federal Human Capital Surveys). Having Secretary Chertoff weigh in on this matter might actually make employees think he's concerned about them and their workplace experiences as well as "the larger issues". I think the Secretary was absolutely right to get involved in the matter. He gets paid pretty well and should be able to balance ALL of the issues that arise at Homeland Security.
bee bee Posted Thursday, November 8, 2007 8:38 AMPeople dress up in all types of costumes for Holloween. It looks like OPM will have to write-up yet another rule - No
Civil Rights Employee Posted Thursday, November 8, 2007 11:25 AMGovernment-Sonsored Holloween Costume Parties Are Allowed.
Yes, Tom (Shoop), everyone else must have been wearing white sheets. However, you forgot the most important part of that costume - THE DUNCE CAP!
Not Amused Posted Thursday, November 8, 2007 11:34 AMIf the employee in the offensive costume was placed on paid administrative leave by DHS pending outcome of a review, how come the head of ICE, who was reported as being one of the judges who awarded the individual the prize for "best costume," and then posed for a photo with him, isn't also suspended?
Former Fed Posted Thursday, November 8, 2007 2:49 PMThis is relly getting bad. Don't most people act there ages, these days. Let it go.
Wilma V Posted Thursday, November 8, 2007 4:33 PMThis event was on Government TIME, Government FACILITY, with Government EMPLOYEES, and on Government PAY! Kind of a sad way to raise funds for an annual CFC fundraiser.
CurrentICEguy Posted Friday, November 9, 2007 12:36 AMThis is so tacky and wrong. There should be accountability all the way up the ladder. A perfect example of poor leadership and bad judgment.
Not Funny Posted Friday, November 9, 2007 8:34 AM