Berlin Rally Is Off-Limits for Embassy Workers

[babylonsister]

Berlin Rally Is Off-Limits for Embassy Workers

By Karen DeYoung
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, July 24, 2008; Page A06


The U.S. Embassy in Berlin has instructed Foreign Service personnel stationed there not to attend Sen. Barack Obama's public rally today, which the State Department this week labeled a "partisan political activity" prohibited under its regulations for those serving overseas.

Government employees serving in the United States are permitted to attend such events under the Hatch Act, which bars other partisan activity, such as contributing money or working in behalf of a candidate.

But "we always maintain that no U.S. government Foreign Service person overseas should be seen to be advocating one side or the other," State Department Undersecretary for Management Patrick Kennedy said, adding that "it has nothing to do with who" the candidate is.

"When a German sees you there, they're not going to think, 'Oh, he or she is on their off time.' It's 'Oh, they are a Democrat, a Republican, an independent,' God knows what," Kennedy said in an interview.

The American Foreign Service Association, the union of the diplomatic corps, objected to the ruling, calling it an "unnecessarily narrow interpretation" of the Foreign Affairs Manual. "The fact that you are working for the U.S. government overseas should not preclude political activity that you could engage in in the United States," one retired senior Foreign Service officer said.

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072303388.html?nav=rss_politics

[bdamomma]

1. I wonder if it was McCain they would say the same thing.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

2. HA!

remember his trip it IraqNam? how many choppers, armed and armored troops, troop carriers, and more did they provide?

[TexasObserver]

3. This demonstrates the pettiness of the Bush administration.

And the complete impotentance and insignificance of Condi Rice. This is straight from the top of the Bush administration.

George Bush hates democracy, and he hates democratic ideals. He's a fascist, and if he could get away with it, he'd be a dictator.

[WinkyDink]

5. if he could get away with it, he'd be a dictator.---He's actually said that.

[C_U_L8R]

4. Spiteful Rice

not very nice

[tekisui]

6. Or what? They get fired?

180 days can't come soon enough.

[Apollo11]

11. I guess they would need permission to leave the office

So in effect they are being threatened with disciplinary action.

[babylonsister]

14. Except, isn't Obama's speech happening in the evening in Germany?

Who's going to know, unless they're 'ordered' to stay in the embassy.

[Apollo11]

16. You are right. 7pm Berlin = 1pm Eastern

They are being told to stay away from a public event in a public place.

CRAZY

[liberal N proud]

7. Does the regime think that this childish bullshit will slow down Obama?

Or his supporters?

[LiberalFighter]

8. When they see Rice what do the Germans see her as?

[billyoc]

9. *cough*Lurita Doan*cough*

Doan reportedly asked aloud what the GSA could do with its considerable taxpayer-funded assets "to help our candidates."

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/003080.php

[Apollo11]

10. That is just nuts

Maybe tell 'em they can't wear Obama stuff or cheer. But banning them from attending the event is dumb.

They are US citizens with the right to vote in the US. Noboby will know they work for the US Embassy.

It's not like they are gonna walk around with T-shirts saying "USA Embassy Staff Member"

[bdamomma]

12. exactly, they should not be restricted not to go.

what total BS.

[high density]

13. Are they going to be taking attendance?

If Bush was giving a speech, could they attend? Everything he does is "partisan political activity."

[Evergreen Emerald]

15. Generally, state and federal workers are to stay out of politics

except on their own time. No endorsing, no rallying, no passing out fliers. It is against the law, as it could be construed as using government funds for politics. Employees' salaries are government funds.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

17. I have a feeling a lot of these embassy workers will be taking "executive lunches" today. n/t

[Apollo11]

18. It will be lunchtime in Washington DC - but 7pm in Berlin

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

20. Of course, I forgot about the whole little time zone thingy. In that case

I suspect that there will be a lot of embassy personnel wearing wigs and fake beards.

[BlooInBloo]

19. No-one controlled by bush can go.

[Blue_Tires]

21. a shame they missed the event of the year....