| Comment Number: | EM-001276 |
| Received: | 2/22/2005 9:48:34 PM |
| Subject: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Request for Comment |
| Title: | National Security Personnel System |
| CFR Citation: | 5 CFR Chapter XCIX and Part 9901 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
February 22, 2005 DoD NSPS Comments , DoD NSPS Comments: How ironic that our American government is supporting Iraqis in an effort to have freedoms and rights they never experienced. While here in the United States, the very same government is slowly and methodically taking away rights and freedoms. Homeland protectors, also know as federal employees, are being place under a National Security Personnel System (NSPS) that muffles freedom and rights. Our country will be at risk with a system that no longer encourages loyalty or patriotism. On a local level, if the government will do this to its own family- what will it allow to happen to you? It appears that we are becoming the very countries we seek to liberate. I write to express my concerns about changes to work rules in the Department of Defense (DoD). The proposed regulations, known as the National Security Personnel System (NSPS), were printed in the Federal Register on February 14, 2005. I am a veteran and have worked for DoD for years. I am angry that these proposals seem to treat the employees who help defend our country as the enemy. Most DoD employees work hard and are committed and are retired military. I believe that mistreating the employees will hurt the agency?s mission. These rules would create a system in which federal managers are influenced by favoritism rather than serving the civil concerns of the American people. ?Friend of the Supervisor? Pay System With the new patronage pay system, which DoD calls ?pay for performance,? the amount of a worker's salary will depend almost completely on the personal judgment of his or her manager. This system will force workers to compete with one another for pay raises, which will destroy teamwork, increase conflict among employees, and reward short-term outcomes. Where will loyalty be and expected? America is at war. We are fighting for democracy abroad. But the regulations are an attack on workers? basic rights. Furthermore, NSPS will divert the attention of defense workers from the soldiers? welfare to protecting themselves from abuse on the job. I urge you to force DoD to rethink this proposal. We need work rules that preserve fairness, serve the American people, and respect the rights of Defense Department workers. Sincerely, Paul Ferris