Most of us have a favorite sports team affiliation – whether it’s a pro team or our alma mater from college days. And some of us proudly post our unwavering love as fans on our cars, on our chests and, yes, in our offices. But what if your favorite sports team is a political party or candidate?
Well, in government, you’re not supposed to state your views openly…and sometimes that’s hard when you feel pretty passionate about a person.
Washington Post Reporter Ed O’Keefe reminds government employees in a recent blog post that they can’t even have our current President’s photo in their cube now that the 2012 election cycle is in full swing. Here’s an excerpt:
With the 2012 presidential race heating up, federal workers are being reminded to keep campaign paraphernalia out of the office — and not to draw halos or horns around the head of President Obama.
The Hatch Act prohibits government employees from engaging in political activity while on the job or using government vehicles. TheOffice of Special Counsel, which enforces the law, regularly updates its official guidance on the law around campaign season.
The office this month published a reminder that any official campaign photos or fliers of Obama or Republican presidential candidates are prohibited around the office.
And, yes, the actual memo does say that people cannot put “halos and horns” on the photos…do adults really need this kind of guidance?
But here are the real questions:
- Is this fair? Shouldn’t you be able to share your political opinions publicly?
- Do you see people behaving badly – putting “halos and horns” on images?
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