bythebook

Last week a long term investigation by ATF Phoenix was concluded with volumes of arrests, evidence seizures, etc. The case displayed the good work that Phoenix Agents are capable of producing.

Oh, didn't hear about it?

That's because no self respecting media outlet is naive enough to get sucked into assisting Thomasson's attempt to cover up Gunrunner.

It's a damn shame too. Thomasson became so self important in his roll as ATF's "Media Czar" that he actually believed that the press worked for him. He has embarrassed himself and the agency in every postion he has held at ATF so this comes as no surprise.

This long term investigation was truly a phenominal case but unfortunately it came after the fast and furious disaster. From what I hear the reason there is not more media attention is because the case agent is not one of the SACs or ASACs "favorites". Honestly, I wouldn't want to be one of their "favorites" either. All I can say is that those of us outside of Phoenix know what is going on and we support the good work of the agents involved in this case.

I don't believe Russ is being promoted in HQ, he is already a GS - 15, he is just getting a paid move back to HQ. Apparently there is no morality clause in ATF or ethical problem with using his gov't paid for room for his antics. Also, did he use his gov't computer to advertise on Craiglist? Maybe what he was advertising was not for profit but he sure got something out of it. All I know is if he was a teacher he would be let go, but since he is an ATF manager he gets a paid move back to HQ to finish out his career quietly(hopefully).

Word is Congress is taking a hard look at the abject and across the board abuses of ATF senior management. Let's don't throw out the baby with the bath water. Save ATF, go through the 5th floor with a push broom. Mr. Melson has opened NOT ONE mechanism to include the field and obviously Mr. Traver is trying to ignore our failing agency.

Mr. Melson/Mr. Traver we are hearing that Phoenix SAC Newell recommended to you that one of his current ASACs replace him, this will ensure nothing changes in the Phoenix FD. With all of the problems exposed in Phoenix please do not let this happen. If the allegations of retaliation against potential whistlblowers is true, you need to change the management in Phoenix. Bring in a proven SAC to address the problems, don't let the problems continue. This is an opportunity for you to make a change, please take it!!

Has anyone read the new mandatory professionalism/ethics training we are all going to have to review? I hope it includes a section on pre selections. It has become so rampant within ATF it is becoming the norm. In one division the employees were told there is nothing they could do to stop it, and management advised if you don't like it transfer. The most recent one a supervisor took a lateral move with PCS money last year and is moving back this year with a promotion and another PCS move just because they wanted to demonstrate to the employees that they can do what they want. When is pre-selection ethical/professional?

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