A day in the life of a state worker….

Okay not all state workers – just me. I cannot share what I do or which agency I work for due to a fear of being reprimanded. Yes you read correctly! Last time I spoke as a private citizen about how I felt about the California State budget impasse - I was reprimanded! Our whole department was chastised and ordered not to speak to the press about ANYTHING! Hmmmm Last I checked this was still the United States of America – isn’t it? We just elected the first African-American president – didn’t we? I get to say what I think and feel. Don’t I? Isn’t that in the constitution or something? Or is there a clause that says “…unless you work for state or federal government.”?? My family fled communist Cuba to this great land so that we could be free to say and do as we choose. Family members in Cuba were thrown in jail for speaking out against Castro… and I am reprimanded for speaking my mind on the budget impasse? Really? SO! In order to avoid any problems – I’ll be mysterious. I will not reveal whom I work with or any trade secrets… Geeez. How stupid is that? Anyone out there work for the ACLU? Can you advise me of my rights? Working for the State of California is no picnic – but most of us put up with it for one main reason - most of us believe in what we are doing. However, the State likes to bully their employees and most take it – I used to be one of those taking it. I think I’ve reached the age of – oh come on… really? I gave birth twice without any meds… you can’t bully me. I’ve been barfed on, pooped on, spit up on, I’m coated in Teflon kids… really – no really – I’m not allowed to speak my mind? Puleeeez. I preach to people – just about everything in life is a choice…. Here I am making my choice to be heard…. On this tiny itty-bitty blog – here is my voice.