Ethics Reminder Through Security Tip?
At least one federal agency provides employees a daily security tip when users log onto the computer network. If your IT deparment is agreeable, this can serve as an alternate delivery mechanism for ethics reminders, as demonstrated by this file.
Early Waiver of Obama Revolving Door Rule
The Obama administration's decision to waive its new lobbyist restrictions so former Raytheon lobbyist William J. Lynn could receive an appointment as Deputy Secretary of Defense is proving to be controversial. Washington Wire, an online component of the Wall Street Journal, has an item about the move:
Sen. John McCain, who lost to Obama in the November election, was less than happy with the waiver. "I am disappointed in President Obama's decision to waive the 'revolving door' provisions of the executive order for Mr. Bill Lynn," McCain said in a statement. "While I applaud the president's action to implement new, more stringent ethical rules, I had hoped he would not find it necessary to waive them so soon."
Respect for IG Concept Grows
Senator Grassley (R-IA) recently introduced the "Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2009" (S. 220), which would create an office of inspector general for the Judiciary. Coming along with the enhanced authorities in the IG Reform Act of 2008, and the creation of IGs for Iraq, Afghanistan and the TARP financial bailout, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that Congressional respect for the IG concept is increasing.
Executive Order: Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel
The White House web site has Obama's new Executive Order on revolving door, gift and Hatch Act issues. A Washington Post story contains this brief summary:
The lobbying rules announced yesterday aim to end what has become a way of life in Washington, where those serving in an administration collect chits that are quickly cashed in once they depart government. Under the new rules, presidential appointees who leave office will not be allowed to lobby any federal agency as long as Obama remains in office.
"It's not about advantaging yourself. It's not about advancing your friends or your corporate clients. It's not about advancing an ideological agenda or the special interests of any organization," Obama told Cabinet members and senior staff at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. "Public service is, simply and absolutely, about advancing the interests of Americans."
Metadata - What Is It and What Are My Ethical Duties?
Jim Calloway's article entitle Metadata - What Is It and What Are My Ethical Duties? has more information on a legal ethics topic covered in a previous IEC meeting.
High Ethics Standards Help Recruiting
In the Washington Post, Joe Davidson reported on a study showing the federal government is high on many students' lists of preferred employer. One factor that helps some agencies and hurts others:
"Undergrads place great store in high ethical standards."
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