A federal judge ruled Friday that the Department of Education violated the First Amendment rights of some agency employees when it sent out-of-office messages on their behalf that blamed Democrats for the government shutdown.
The ruling from US District Judge Christopher Cooper is the latest court rebuke of controversial moves by the Trump administration during what has now become the longest shutdown in US history.
Cooper, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, said the department had unconstitutionally compelled its employees’ speech when it tinkered with the out-of-office messages for furloughed workers so that they included language blaming the shutdown on “Democrat Senators” who “are blocking” passage of a “clean continuing resolution” that would fund the government.
It’s also yet another violation of the Hatch Act. This makes the… let’s see… 7 billionth time Republicans have violated this law? Or is it up to 8 billion violations?
I’m old enough to remember when forging government documents resulted in impeachment.
Remember when impeachment meant something? Because it doesnt anymore. Good old flying pieces of metal still work though. Just ask Charlie.
Charlie’s wife didn’t even wait for the body to cool before she was on that next grift. Are we sure she didn’t put a hit out on him?
when has impeachment meant anything? literally just one time it actually lead to someone being held accountable…
It made Nixon resign.
Yep. Just the threat of it. For far, far less than Trump has done.
I am no fan of the Clintons but when the Republicans turned impeachment into a political toy in the 90s it lost a lot of weight. And then by the time of Trump it was easy to dispell as a ‘witch hunt’ to his base.
it was started by gingrich, whom all started the "not to work with the otherside until they agree with republican demands)
it was also pre-reagan era
Oh no, if this administration isn’t careful they’re going to get another sternly worded email.
So the person who did it and the person who ordered it will now be charged with hundreds of counts of violating civil rights? Right?
Right?
How do Republicans square that hole of OBVIOUSLY being on the wrong side of history when your are literally falsifying documents to make your point.
They should all find the nearest cactus and go fuck themselves
No talk. Action.
NATO: no action, talk only.
This funny. Thank you I never hear this!
I’m super excited to watch as they are subjected to the pain of zero consequences for this.
At this point I believe that USA reds are so focused on remaining in power, because to do the shit they’ve done they basically all became criminals and the moment they lose power is the moment they’ll have to face consequences.
And, simply wanting power aside, they’re scared shitless of that.
But it paints a really grim picture for USA, because the most dangerous animal is the cornered one - as soon as they’ll start actually losing, they will drag ya all to hell :/
Once you’re flying, the idea of crashing becomes much scarier
this is damn good to hear. that was massive bullshit.
So fucking do something about it. Pointing out the constant illegality without doing anything about it is tantamount to permission.
I am getting very sick of this administration.
Now? Getting? This shitshow spewed diarrhea to the ceilings like a high pressure hose down a sewer pipe from November on.
It’s been horrible since day 1. It’s like they are just seeing how much people will let them get away with. And it’s a lot.
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Government employees have freedom of speech in official communication? Like yeah it’s messed up, but I’ve always heard that you’re not allowed to make political statements at all. Kind of weird that this is the basis for their argument, and not whatever law it is that prohibits political statements.
True, but in this situation the government is making a statement as them on their behalf against their will. It’s different than telling them not to say something.
They did what now 0.0
I’m reminded of Hans Blix in Team America.
