Joe the Plumber Quick Update

I guess the wheels of justice turn slowly, but turn they do. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Helen Jones-Kelley, who was being held responsible for the inquiry into "Joe the Plumber's" records has resigned. Two other officials involved in the illegal inquiry into Joseph Wurzelbacher's records that were suspended will not be returning to their jobs. An interesting side note; the governor's investigation alleged that Helen Jones-Kelley had conducted improper fund raising for Obama as well.

Full story here.

I have spent a lot of time on this story because it goes to the heart of free speech and government tyranny. If ordinary citizens who speak out, especially if their views are unpopular, can be subjected to harassment and warantless investigation by the government bureaucrats, then we might as well not have the first amendment. Hopefully, this ending will send a message to government employees everywhere. As a government employee myself, I believe that I live to a higher standard than was on display in this case. Actions by vengeful bureaucrats tarnish good work by so many others.

Joe the Plumber Poll Wrap

89% of you thought that Joe was getting the shaft again. Only one vote that Obama's peace takes precedence over all else. Mongo, you amaze even me. (Actually, I have no way of knowing who voted, much less who voted for what.)

Meanwhile, back in Ohio, the plot just keeps getting better. Vanessa Niekamp, the woman who called up Joe's child support records, is now alleging that her department deputy dictated precisely how she should cover up the activity. I'm no lawyer, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, so I'm thinking, obstruction of justice, a criminal offense. And what prize do we have for the clueless Ohio bureaucrats? Some jail time, maybe? Regardless, I'm not holding my breath that state employees will get more severe punishments than the private sector firings at Verizon for perusing Obama's cell phone usage.