7 replies to this topic

[adelgadoiis]

[quote name='Mallard Duck' date='11 June 2010 - 09:58 AM' timestamp='1276271883' post='754']
I am fairly new to the agency, however I have been in the presence of Mr. Melson several times in the past year. I am impressed by his passion and what I believe to be sincerity in his desire to make ATF better. If you believe that as well, a thank you for his efforts is in order from time to time and not just continual smacking him with a stick. I understand words are not enough and action is the true indicator of change but at the same time the employee protection that is talked about so much here in the forum extends to bad eggs as well. ATF is also a large agency and change will take time so I want to give him the benefit of doubt and have some patience. It is likely that if a situation that has been brought to the agency’s attention and is dealt with, it certainly won’t be announced with a news release but will be quietly handled due to employee privacy requirements.

This forum is likely a major factor in the uptick in communication from the Deputy Director and I think that’s a good thing. The rocks that are being turned over here are most certainly being looked at by management and with the high visibility this forum brings, are not likely to be swept under the rug.

I do think the Deputy Director’s call for civility and professionalism in expressing dissent is warranted. A sharp spear can accomplish the task better than blunt force trauma. Posting that “SAC Smith seems to lack the will to take action” will carry more weight than “Gutless Smith lacks the ba##s to do anything”.

Again, I’m just rookie and don’t have the deep experience that most of you have. In summary I think this forum is very valuable and would just offer that options be expressed professionally. Also I am going to give Mr. Melson some time and see what changes occur in the next 12 months.

Nuff said… thanks for allowing me to express my thoughts.

[Thor God of Thunder]

Mallard,

Great points and I agree with you. CleanUpATF has been a major factor in opening Mr. Melson's eyes to what is really taking place in ATF.

Unfornutately most if not all of the people believed or assumed to be associated with this site have been tagged as discontented, self-serving, greedy and anti-ATF. That is not an accurate label but it nonetheless is the one placed on us and one that we have no choice but to live with.

To a new agent and coming from an old agent, regardless of what you read here remember, you have the best job in LE. I say that inspite of the beating I have taken. Our mission is the most important domestic mandate in federal law enforcement. I personally believe that negative issues at ATF are and will continue to improve. Down the road as you go deeper into your career and ATF has returned to what we once were take a moment to reflect on the people who have sacrificed their professional reputations and stuck their necks out to help make sure that you won't have to suffer the wrongs that they did.

No thank you's are wanted. No pats on the back are needed. No recognition is even desired. We want ATF to be as great for you as it was for us back in the day. We collectively decided that sitting back with our fingers crossed and hopeing had zero chance of affecting change and reform. THe measures taken here and elsewhere have been extreme. That is acknowledged. Sometimes they may have gone beyond what is civil. I regret when I have done that but when no one will listen, when no one will take accountablity and when the status quo is good enough for those causeing the problems extreme measures have been required.

Many careers that have spanned decades and involved blind dedication for ATF have been forfieted in exchange for the new label of "malcontent". No one who is strongly involved and vocal here expected any different. Some made decisiosn to go all-in and allow that was done on behalf of ATF to be forgotten in exchange for a legacy that will only be that of a traitor. We knew what we were getting into and did it anyway. Myself with no regrets and no looking back. I have called out those who needed to be called out and have wrecked my career in the process. So be it.

Our ATF is important enough to us to make the sacrifice so that your generation can enjoy our job as much as we did. I wish nothing but the best to you and every single new young agent out there. Move forward, kick ass in the name of God, country and ATF and make all of us, retired, executives and old-timers proud. In my retirement I'll again be bragging on ATF being on the front line and going toe to toe with violence.

Ditto and well said Jumper!

[VINCENT A CEFALU]

Agreed. However, there are 5000 people watching and posting and I will not judge them either.

[Mallard Duck]

Hi Vince, I can appreciate the pain and degradation you have suffered and having not been there I can't judge, however at some point the anger should be merged with constructive criticism, otherwise this forum will be tagged as a "hate" zone. That can't be productive.

[VINCENT A CEFALU]

Mallard and all other viewers, Civility breeds civility. This website was not born of malicious intent nor to degrade OUR bureau. You will find that in your investigative endeavors,and in your personal life, when threatened or attacked, you have two choices, "FIGHT or FLIGHT". The bullies who are regularly the topic of discussion by HUNDREDS of Agents have created this, not the Agents. If you have read thoroughly the abuses heaped upon our great agency by a FEW, then it should be clear why we will no longer tolerate this conduct. I hope you have also noticed the ABSENCE of many many senior and mid level managers names since the inception of this website. They are obviously doing something right. We are a great Bureau, with the best Agents, and a very strong cadre of managers to take us forward. However, we cannot ignore the self promoting abusive managers in a position of influence to continue to disrespect and degrade to dedication and contribution of our workforce.

[Mallard Duck]

I am fairly new to the agency, however I have been in the presence of Mr. Melson several times in the past year. I am impressed by his passion and what I believe to be sincerity in his desire to make ATF better. If you believe that as well, a thank you for his efforts is in order from time to time and not just continual smacking him with a stick. I understand words are not enough and action is the true indicator of change but at the same time the employee protection that is talked about so much here in the forum extends to bad eggs as well. ATF is also a large agency and change will take time so I want to give him the benefit of doubt and have some patience. It is likely that if a situation that has been brought to the agency’s attention and is dealt with, it certainly won’t be announced with a news release but will be quietly handled due to employee privacy requirements. This forum is likely a major factor in the uptick in communication from the Deputy Director and I think that’s a good thing. The rocks that are being turned over here are most certainly being looked at by management and with the high visibility this forum brings, are not likely to be swept under the rug. I do think the Deputy Director’s call for civility and professionalism in expressing dissent is warranted. A sharp spear can accomplish the task better than blunt force trauma. Posting that “SAC Smith seems to lack the will to take action” will carry more weight than “Gutless Smith lacks the ba##s to do anything”. Again, I’m just rookie and don’t have the deep experience that most of you have. In summary I think this forum is very valuable and would just offer that options be expressed professionally. Also I am going to give Mr. Melson some time and see what changes occur in the next 12 months. Nuff said… thanks for allowing me to express my thoughts.