Thread: Free speach isn't so free in the public sector either

I read this on my phone a couple days ago, and finally getting around to posting it. Now I realize it is Salon, which will likely raise flags with anyone worth their salt, but even if it isn't 100% truthful should still provide some interesting discussion (hopefully).

I'll post a few key quotes, but first a question: Do you think Government employee's should be allowed to voice their opinions if it does not compromise their ability to their job (i.e. coming out staunchly against the Iraq War while doing research on it could be considered compromising)? What about if their job did conflict with what they were voicing their opinion about (see above example)?

Originally Posted by Peter Van Buren

...Morris Davis got fired from his research job at the Library of Congress for writing that article and a similar letter to the editor of the Washington Post.

(the article and letter links below):
Morris Davis: Justice and Guantanamo Bay - WSJ.com
Terrorism trials in federal courts aid national security

Originally Posted by Peter Van Buren

In December 2008, Davis went to work as a researcher at the Library of Congress in the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division. None of his work was related to Guantanamo. He was not a spokesperson for, or a public face of, the library. He was respected at work. Even the people who fired him do not contest that he did his “day job” as a researcher well.

On November 12, 2009, the day after his op-ed and letter appeared, Davis was told by his boss that the pieces had caused the library concern over his “poor judgment and suitability to serve… not consistent with ‘acceptable service’” — as the letter of admonishment he received put the matter. It referred only to his op-ed and Washington Post letter, and said nothing about his work performance as a researcher. One week later, Davis was fired.

Originally Posted by Peter Van Buren

As some readers may also know, I evidently did the same thing. Because of my book, “We Meant Well: How I Helped Lose the Battle for the Hearts and Minds of the Iraqi People,” about my experiences as a State Department official in Iraq, and the articles, op-eds, and blog posts I have written, I first had my security clearance suspended by the Department of State and then was suspended from my job there. That job had nothing to do with Iraq or any of the subjects I have written about. My performance reviews were good, and no one at State criticized me for my day-job work.

(the author goes on to mention he got basically a very similar letter, and wasn't fired only because he wasn't a new employee and thus they have to go through a more formal process to fire him).
Inside the attack on the First Amendment - First Amendment - Salon.com

There is the full article if you want to read the whole thing, or go find all the links in their (I didn't post all the linked material).