jay: (data-gathering)
jay ([personal profile] jay) wrote2006-10-17 04:13 pm

Such a coincidence... not

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...

[identity profile] wordweaverlynn.livejournal.com 2006-10-17 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, that's tacky. Tacky.

Actually, it's a lot worse than that.
ext_140338: (Default)

[identity profile] hot-turkey.livejournal.com 2006-10-17 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
OMG. That's disgusting. I wish I could say surprising, but....
rosefox: Green books on library shelves. (Default)

[personal profile] rosefox 2006-10-17 11:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Can you complain to the county elections office? The freeway closures may make it difficult for people to get to the polls.

[identity profile] compilerbitch.livejournal.com 2006-10-17 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
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)

[identity profile] mnfiddledragon.livejournal.com 2006-10-18 12:46 am (UTC)(link)
Ugh. So. Not. Cool.

[identity profile] weirdodragoncat.livejournal.com 2006-10-18 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
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.

[identity profile] cyan-blue.livejournal.com 2006-10-18 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
Ugh... I wonder if anyone's gonna alert the press in advance that it's 'just' a demo...
rosefox: Green books on library shelves. (Default)

[personal profile] rosefox 2006-10-18 08:19 am (UTC)(link)
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.

[identity profile] purpletigron.livejournal.com 2006-10-18 08:33 am (UTC)(link)
Are you plugged into local 'activist' networks, to get the stink raising started today?
dryadgrl: (Default)

[personal profile] dryadgrl 2006-10-18 03:21 pm (UTC)(link)
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.

[identity profile] brian1789.livejournal.com 2006-10-18 03:52 pm (UTC)(link)
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...

[identity profile] brian1789.livejournal.com 2006-10-18 03:56 pm (UTC)(link)
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.

[identity profile] brian1789.livejournal.com 2006-10-18 03:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Not particularly, but I have no objections to better-connected friends forwarding it... at least so no one's surprised.
dryadgrl: (Default)

[personal profile] dryadgrl 2006-10-18 04:17 pm (UTC)(link)
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.

[identity profile] brian1789.livejournal.com 2006-10-18 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
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...
rosefox: Green books on library shelves. (Default)

[personal profile] rosefox 2006-10-18 05:11 pm (UTC)(link)
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!

[identity profile] brian1789.livejournal.com 2006-10-18 05:34 pm (UTC)(link)
(grimace) yes, seems terribly ironic. And sad...

[identity profile] dangerpudding.livejournal.com 2006-10-19 06:27 am (UTC)(link)
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 ;(.