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Hatch Act Regarding Active Duty and e-mail

 
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SteamSnipe
Seaman Apprentice


Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 75
Location: Great Lakes, Il
PostPosted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:22 am    Post subject: Hatch Act Regarding Active Duty and e-mail Reply with quote
I received an political e-mail at work from a .mil address, It was only addressed to a few people, so it was not in violation of the Hatch Act. If you are active duty, though, do not use your computer at work to send mass e-mail of a political nature or you will be in violation of the Hatch act. Just a heads up, as the election season heats up we have already had incidents of servicemembers in uniform participating in political rallies. Don't want to see any careers ruined from a stupid mistake.

http://www.osc.gov/documents/hatchact/federal/fha-29.htm
http://www.osc.gov/ha_fed.htm#fed_adv
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Porsche944
Seaman Recruit


Joined: 30 Aug 2004
Posts: 12
Location: Charlotte, NC
PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 11:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Not to hijack this thread, but not being subject to the Hatch Act is one of the bennies of being retired.

The really cool thing is that after having to "hold my tongue" for over 20 years, I can say what I want, to whom ever I want as loudly and for as long as I want, and NO BODY can stop me, which brings up meat for another topic.

For those still in uniform who cannot speak so freely, your time will come, and until then, we've got your back.
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Cliff Hipsher
ICC USN (Ret.)
7/70-6/92
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NavyChief
Rear Admiral


Joined: 12 Aug 2004
Posts: 627
Location: Boise, Idaho
PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Porsche944 wrote:
Not to hijack this thread, but not being subject to the Hatch Act is one of the bennies of being retired.

The really cool thing is that after having to "hold my tongue" for over 20 years, I can say what I want, to whom ever I want as loudly and for as long as I want, and NO BODY can stop me, which brings up meat for another topic.

For those still in uniform who cannot speak so freely, your time will come, and until then, we've got your back.


I am one of those Active duty. I still have Freedom of Speech (limited as it is). I can be partisan, I can go to rallies for a political party, I can support one candidate or another. Don't be fooled by the notion that you cannot speak when in the military - - yes, there are guidelines and rules against behavior such as defaming an elected official. That is in the UCMJ -- however it explicitly states OFFICERS!

I speak whenever and wherever I like -- I am a Navy Chief and that is what we do!!!!

- instigator
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Working with Senator Kerry four years in the POW/MIA Office left me thinking -- when did the man ever do any work?
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Navy_Navy_Navy
Admin


Joined: 07 May 2004
Posts: 5777
PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I could be wrong, but I think he was specifically addressing the use of .mil addresses.

My son is not allowed to participate on this site (or any other political site) from the computers in the library on the ship - though he will be able to after he gets his own apartment and computer set up.
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Altering course to starboard - On Fire, Keep Clear
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NavyChief
Rear Admiral


Joined: 12 Aug 2004
Posts: 627
Location: Boise, Idaho
PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 8:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Navy_Navy_Navy wrote:
I could be wrong, but I think he was specifically addressing the use of .mil addresses.

My son is not allowed to participate on this site (or any other political site) from the computers in the library on the ship - though he will be able to after he gets his own apartment and computer set up.


Yes .mil are for official use only. However, the commanding officer can designate official use only as personal email back and forth to home (family and friends) when deployed. Each command must state in writing its policy regarding use of the internet when they own those computers. However, if they allow normal internet use - then this site is not off limits. This is a public domain without pornographic content, nor hostile intentions towards the Navy or US government (it does not advocate the overthrow of our government). Political sites can be accessed and are for many deployed units. The new Voting campaign launched by the Pentagon, encourages servicemen and women to use the internet to research their candidates views.

I know what the previous email was saying as far as sending bulk (spam) email using .mil addresses. That is a server issue. It is generally prohibited at all military and US government sites. The content of email falls under the uses for "Official Use Only" again as stated above.

- instigator
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Working with Senator Kerry four years in the POW/MIA Office left me thinking -- when did the man ever do any work?
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