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“My jaw dropped when I read it,” says an SBA employee who asked to remain anonymous because they are not authorized to speak to the press. The employee says they worried that if someone actually used the email template, it “would be a blatant violation of the Hatch Act.” Read now:

wired.comFederal Workers Are Being Told to Blame Democrats for the ShutdownWorkers at one agency were given unhinged, partisan language to use when setting out-of-office replies.

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The Hatch Act is not a criminal statute, so technically cannot give rise to prosecutions. It has civil penalties only, and they apply solely to current federal employees. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel is supposed to investigate alleged violations of the Hatch Act.

It's well past time for swarms of anonymous leakers and whistleblowers to light up the press with insider news and notes of rebellion (not so much in the SBA, but generally, and particularly from within DOD). A few gonzo journalists/podcasters could give them a voice.

Hatch Act violation penalties for federal employees include a civil penalty of up to $1,000, a reprimand, suspension without pay, reduction in grade, or termination from federal service…. Party of law and order😵‍💫🙄🙄🙄