ENDA Anyone?

I don't post about this sort of thing often, because this particular blog exists more to benefit my personal expression rather than to promote issues or news. However, I did read one story today that I can't help but pass along.

Everyone has heard about the scandal surrounding the firing of attorneys at the DOJ, including key players Alberto Gonzalez and Monica Goodling. Goodling has been a point of controversy on many occasions, and continues to make more people angry and doubtful of our government's judgment.

Nevermind the fact that her law degree is from Regent University (yes, that's right, Pat Robertson's christian law school). She excelled to a high DOJ position with little experience, compared to other candidates. This DOJ position put her in a position superior to many attorneys in the Department, and it's no secret that she broke some rules in the firing (and I suppose hiring) of employees. Today, several sources reported that Goodling fired a female attorney from her position at the DOJ because of rumors that she was a lesbian.

The woman Goodling fired is one of the most accomplished and qualified in the country. Her references are outstanding and her evaluations at the DOJ garnered only the highest ratings in every category. When she was let go, her superiors said that her contract at the DOJ was a privilege and that turnover allowed others to have the same opportunity. However at the same time she was fired, several of her peers' contracts were renewed for several more years. Additionally, the post she filled remained unfilled for many months after her firing and is once again open now.

Some of her coworkers reported that in meetings and discussions about it they got the impression that her firing was related to her sexuality. Some conservatives in the office even said that to some people, that [homosexuality] is worse than being a liberal.

There is nothing so far to confirm or deny this attorney's sexuality, but the DOJ is investigating her firing. Suffice it to say that firing someone so qualified and accomplished, only to leave the position open, simply due to discomfort with their sexuality is a disgrace to our government. Those in leadership positions in our government should prioritize the quality of work being done, regardless of the age, race, gender, sexuality, hair color or number of toes of the persons doing that work.

Here are the links. I don't think I need to say anything else...


http://wonkette.com/375353/did-monica-goodling-fire-some-lesbian

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4960

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89288713