What a pain in the neck.
That’s the reaction, or worse, of anyone who has suffered identity theft or had personal information breached. Most of us take steps to prevent fraudulent activity by changing passwords, canceling credit cards and bank accounts. Current White House actions have weakened our precautions, making it easier for our personal data to be leaked or stolen.
I am worried that personal information is misappropriated through a smokescreen of “fraud and waste.” My concern escalated when there was no question or inquiry about what was under the black lines before the unredacted Kennedy assassination documents were released. Now personal information — including birthdays and Social Security numbers — are public information for the surviving contributors to the JFK assassination investigation.
I am troubled that unprofessional and inexperienced people want to rifle through my Social Security and income tax files. Trusted and qualified inspectors general who searched for fraud and waste were dismissed and replaced by un-vetted and controversial individuals. I question how the Elon Musk team is going to use whatever it is they are looking for as they carelessly access personal and private information.
If you weren’t previously concerned about the haphazard handling of your personal information by this administration, the mismanagement of national security protocols during the Signal group call should set off alarms. Incompetence and disregard of safeguards were magnified and certainly extended far beyond a breach of personal information.
Through all of this, my U.S. Congressman, Tom Barrett, is silent. His personal information is also vulnerable and, because of his position, probably desirable to anyone wishing to profit or harm. It’s a sad and scary time for our country when irresponsible leaders put us in harm’s way.
Evelyn Gallegos
Brighton
