DOT.GOV

I decided to droop all pretense of being a productive human being and apply for a government job. They finally got back to me. As part of the process I had to sign onto a government website to do a test. Here is what greeted me:

• You are accessing a U.S. Government information system, which includes (1) this computer, (2) this computer network, (3) all computers connected to this network, and (4) all devices and storage media attached to this network or to a computer on this network. This information system is provided for U.S. Government-authorized use only.
• Unauthorized or improper use or access of this system may result in disciplinary action, as well as civil and criminal penalties.
• By using this information system, you understand and consent to the following:
• You have no reasonable expectation of privacy when you use this information system; this includes any communications or data transiting or stored on this information system. At any time, and for any lawful government purpose, the government may, without notice, monitor, intercept, search and seize any communication or data transiting or stored on this information system.
• The government may disclose or use any communications or data transiting or stored on this information system for any lawful government purpose, including but not limited to law enforcement purposes.
• You are NOT authorized to process classified information on this information system

Scary. Here I foolishly thought that 1. my home computer was "mine". 2. Whatever info might be on it was "mine" and 3. It takes a warrant for the .gov to search "my" property or papers. If you want a job with the .gov, you must give up all those foolish notions and agree that "At any time" they may (apparently for all time) have the right to search my computer to satisfy their curiosity. Having 2 kids a wife and a mortgage and a dwindling savings account makes a man sacrifice that which he holds dear. So I clicked "I agree".

Maybe if I would have taken unemployment I could have held out longer.

I discovered that as part of signing onto the system, I foolishly followed a link (that I thought would take me to the test) and filled out the on line forum and clicked "submit". This was not authorized. Nothing was stated on the site that you shouldn't do this, just a forum to enter your SS# and answer password and identity questions. Apparently I just broke a law by trying to enter an unauthorized section of the website as part of my job application. I can only hope this type of dumb blundering is exactly what they are looking for in potential federal employees.