Federal employees must not be silenced

I am outraged at the communications lock-down the President of the United States has placed on the EPA, and the departments of Agriculture and Interior. This is of no benefit and is, in fact, harmful to the American people. Americans have a right to scientific facts that heighten awareness and educate us. Knowledge is the first step to protect human health and the environment. We pay taxes to run these agencies to carry out the mission/services that benefit us all. Public information is a fundamental right.

Do not let the rhetoric fool you. I spent close to 30 years working as a federal employee and this is not business as usual. In all those years I never witnessed a suppression of scientific facts from the public. Federal employees should never be forbidden to speak with Congress.

Where are the checks and balances to stop this? This is not “great.” This is not “big league.” This is not responsible and sane government. This is madness.

I urge you to take action to resist what will undo our great nation.

Vaughn A. Blethen

Moses Lake