Such a coincidence... not

[jay]

At today's group leads meeting, we were instructed to advise our groups about a future event at Orion Park, a grassy area just outside our gate and near US 101. A "terrorist preparedness demonstration" complete with explosions, simulated casualties, paratroopers and helicopters overhead... and temporary freeway closures. We were asked to let staff know, so we wouldn't overreact to "temporary chaos" outside the fence.

Any guesses as to when this public spectacle is scheduled? November 7-8. Election Day. One wonders at the media coverage if major highways are blocked by helicopters and troops, outside of Moffett Field...

Comments

[wordweaverlynn.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's tacky. Tacky.

Actually, it's a lot worse than that.

[hot-turkey.livejournal.com]

OMG. That's disgusting. I wish I could say surprising, but....

[rosefox]

Can you complain to the county elections office? The freeway closures may make it difficult for people to get to the polls.

[dryadgrl]

Even more than that (cuz that's a grea idea - compain to I think it would be the registrar of voters office - they handle elections, I think) and then write some articles (or an article) and pitch it to some big papers. Or write an op-ed or something. Becuase the word needs to get out about this. Out, out out!

It seems to me a direct attempt to control voting through terrorism. Espeically potentially starting the day before the election. It's a horrific thing.

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Actually, it's on election day itself... probably designed to make the morning news and be the last thing on a voter's mind before s/he heads to the polls.

But I can't go-activist on this, because of the sensitivity at work and the source. I'm probably being reckless to leave it in a (currently) public post...

[dryadgrl]

I guess I don't undeerstand. Is there a reason you can't tell people and let them get all activist? I mean this is a Realy Bad thing that's happening.

Anyway, I do want to understand. It doesn't make sense to me.

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

I can tell *others*, who can then spread the word. It isn't classified and we weren't told that it was embargoed, and NASA has a public responsibility. But as an insider, I can't lead the charge, so to speak...

[compilerbitch.livejournal.com]

I'm going to be in the UK that week, so I'm slightly disappointed that I'll miss the 'fun'.

(said with tongue in cheek)

[mnfiddledragon.livejournal.com]

Ugh. So. Not. Cool.

[weirdodragoncat.livejournal.com]

grrr...

I'll be so glad when all the hubbub over 'terrorists' is over. I know it may be a while.. maybe even years but still, I'll be glad when its not such a panic reflex.

[cyan-blue.livejournal.com]

Ugh... I wonder if anyone's gonna alert the press in advance that it's 'just' a demo...

[rosefox]

I suggest someone in the area alert the press now and see if you can raise a big stink about it, in addition to talking with whomever is in charge of enforcing regulations against unduly interfering with the ability of citizens to get to the polls.

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Ideally checking with the affected local municipality... my work vulnerability means that I can't take the lead on this. If it were overtly *illegal*, then I'd be justified in disregarding policy and going outside. Simply *manipulative-but-legal* doesn't.

[rosefox]

Are you sure it's one and not the other?

I'm boggled by the idea that you might endanger a job working for the government by making an effort to promote access to the polls on election day!

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

(grimace) yes, seems terribly ironic. And sad...

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

Are you plugged into local 'activist' networks, to get the stink raising started today?

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Not particularly, but I have no objections to better-connected friends forwarding it... at least so no one's surprised.

[dangerpudding.livejournal.com]

You're going to understand if I don't come into the office on those days, right? Way to make those of us with PTSD feels all warm and fuzzy ;(.