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Tell Bush to Fire VA Secretary Nicholson
On Monday, the Veterans Administration (VA) announced yet another serious data breach: the loss of sensitive personal information for as many as 38,000 veterans.
This comes on the heels of the theft of a VA laptop containing the personal information of 26.5 million veterans, and a subsequent pledge by VA Secretary Jim Nicholson that he would make the VA the "gold standard" in data security.
I’ve had enough of a White House that rewards incompetence and protects its cronies from mistakes that hurt millions of Americans. That’s why I am asking you to forward an email to President Bush demanding that he fire Sec. Nicholson and finally establish some accountability within his Administration.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: I urge you to fire VA Secretary Jim Nicholson
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
On Monday, the Veterans Administration (VA) announced the loss of sensitive personal information for as many as 38,000 veterans.
This comes on the heels of the theft of a VA laptop containing the personal information of 26.5 million veterans, and a subsequent pledge by VA Secretary Jim Nicholson that he would make the VA the "gold standard" in data security.
The loss of this information is yet another example of the continuing -- and stunning -- incompetence of the Bush Administration. By failing to adequately protect the privacy of these men and women, the VA has left our veterans and their family members vulnerable to the insidious crime of identity theft. Certainly, America's veterans and active duty military personnel -- who have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country -- deserve better.
I've had enough of a White House that rewards incompetence and protects its cronies from mistakes that hurt millions of Americans. That's why I am asking you to fire Jim Nicholson and finally establish some accountability within your Administration.
The record on this issue is clear. Secretary Nicholson came before Congress the last time his agency lost the personal data of millions of veterans and advocated for tougher penalties for those who mishandle or are negligent in handling sensitive information. Secretary Nicholson then failed to keep his promise to protect veterans' personal information. By his own reasoning, he should be held accountable. It's time to follow that advice.
Because of your Administration's continued incompetence, thousands of veterans are now experiencing needless anxiety wondering if they will be the victims of identity theft. One mistake in handling data might be understandable -- but failing to learn from those mistakes and allowing it to happen again and again is unacceptable. Jim Nicholson must go. I urge you to ask for his resignation today.
Sincerely,
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