I was an employee for the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. I was a very good worker, always eager to help others and generally a very good employee.
We got a new computer system in July. It sucked azz, I mean really. I sent a letter to the Governor of Indiana about my dissatisfaction with the new STARS computer program. Being an employee of the BMV, I felt I was offering an insiders view of the bad data and frustration about not being able do my job since June 30th. Driving records are wrong, suspensions are showing up on peoples records that shouldn't be there. Car registration information is all screwed up. It was a mess! I sent this letter to our Governor... utilizing his "open door policy" with Indiana citizens and state employees... on July 17th, 2006. I was FIRED July 18th.
What did I do? I contacted Channel 8 news. What did they do? Well they contacted me for an interview. See the link (you might have to copy and paste it in your browser)
http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5167273
I feel that my first amendment rights have been violated. I didn't realize that I lived in a Communist state. I didn't feel that alerting the Governor the problem was in error, but apparently I uncovered the cover-up of the century!!