Fair Game and a script-writing opportunity

Watched the movie Fair Game last night; what made it really really scary is the fact that it was based on a true story. Seems like there will always be a huge price to pay for being honest in a 'democracy' - but at least the perjurers and the protocol-fiends were brought to book ... eventually.

Which is sort of interesting from the perspective of a Teacher Librarian of my acquaintance, who sought advice on their employer's expectation in the case where a manager's instruction was contrary to the Code of Conduct. Having taken the query to the organisation's CEO, and been passed back down the line to the very same person that "caused" the enquiry [the causal agent], most bizarrely the matter became a disciplinary one - for the person seeking clarification.

Gained through Freedom of Information procedures is the hand-written notation (pictured) to "deal with" the Teacher Librarian; significantly not one of addressing the conflict between an instruction and the Code of Conduct.

This extract, and indeed the whole document, are available under FOI procedures (now called GIPA in NSW), so this isn't a "wikileak" style disclosure. Just to be clear on this. I have removed or obscured all names other than my own.

"Ring [causal agent ] re Credaro - discuss issue of dealing with her" refers to the query re conflicting instructions. "Deal with complaint as complaint" refers to the causal agent's complaint regarding the query.

Perhaps more interesting is the fact that although a thirty dollar application fee is mandated for GIPA/FOI queries, the government department now wants another five hundred ($500) to provide copies of other related documents, based on the vast volume of paperwork involved. Which is what that unit was set up to do in the first place. Figuring that one out is beyond me. Referred to the Ombudsman, who has in turn referred it to the Office of the Information Commissioner. Is it starting to sound a little "big brother"ish?

Sure, the vilification of a Teacher Librarian doesn't rate up there with the deliberate exposure of a covert CIA operative, but this continuing saga does present an opportunity for an aspiring script writer.

An exercise in futility?

Having spent months trying to decide if, then what, eBook reader I might purchase, I've just come across one on Summer Sale at a local purveyor of such electronic devices. Even better, they were running a competition to actually win one! "In 25 words or less, tell us why you want ..."

I wish I had an eBook,
Like all my librarian friends;
Then I'd read a thousand tomes
And other odds and ends.

I did try for something in Iambic Pentamiter, but it was a little too difficult to stay under the word limit, get some rhyme happening, and make any sense. But still, this isn't too bad, is it? And only 22 words. Bet there's more than a few recipients of my more formal correspondence that wish I could be as brief and to the point with them.

Anyways, the downside of it is that if I should happen to win the competition, the prize - according to my employer's Code of Conduct - goes to my employer, as we are only allowed to "accept" prizes up to the value of $50.

Ah well, maybe they'll let me use it over the holidays or visit it or something. The CofC doesn't say who would actually get to hold the eBook reader in protective custody, in order to save me from being open to possible allegations of corruption. I must check into this, in the unlikely event that I win.

So much to do, so much of it most probably pointless. Sigh.