Silencing of Air Marshal Critic Endangers Public Safety

The suspension of an outspoken air marshal leader and critic reveals a new emerging code of silence" policy in the Department of Homeland Security.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) October 20, 2004 -- The October 14, 2004 suspension of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association's (FLEOA) Federal Air Marshal Agency President, for his public criticism of the Federal Air Marshal program, represents a new era in silencing government agency critics. The suspension of this air marshal by the Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service, Thomas D. Quinn, reveals a new emerging code of silence" policy promoted by political appointees and upper level managers in the Department of Homeland Security.

This code demands employees pledge unequivocal allegiance to incumbent management officials, rather than the American people. Failure to comply with the code" results in defamation, suspension, and termination of employment, compelling employees to place personal interests over concerns of national security. Ultimately, this policy will result in the withholding of critical information to Congress and the American people ---- information necessary to ensure proper Congressional oversight of security agencies.

Local 1613 of the National Border Patrol Council, in conjunction with the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and other representative groups of law enforcement officials, join in supporting the FLEOA FAM Agency President in his fight against injustice and incompetence in the Department of Homeland Security ---- a fight waged on behalf of every American.

We urge all employees of the Department of Homeland Security to continue contacting elected representatives and disclose deficiencies and incompetence in their respective agencies. We further urge Congress to stop the current administration from promoting systemic abuse and denigration of federal employees protecting the American people. Finally, we recommend the House Judiciary Committee conduct a formal investigation into the suspension of this Air Marshal and report its findings to the American people.

Local 1613 of the National Border Patrol Council is the largest local organization representing United States Border Patrol Agents. Representation includes matters involving conditions of employment as well as media and political representation. Local 1613 has been instrumental in bringing public attention and scrutiny to government inefficiency and waste in the Department of Homeland Security as well as legacy agencies under the former Immigration and Naturalization Service.

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