Letter to the Editor

I read Milt Zall's column every week, and normally I think he is right on. But I just read the Bureaucratus column about the use of government equipment (I was in transit, and the issue of FCW just caught up with me), and this time I think he is mistaken ["Public goods, personal use," Federal Computer Week, Nov. 6, 2000].

I've been a manager with the Army for more years than I care to discuss, and I'm also one who has used government equipment on an incidental basis, also for many years. I believe it is a matter of common sense, and I really do believe most of us are responsible enough to not cross over the line. (OK, there are always those who insist on visiting porn sites, which is frankly stupid, but....)

The bottom line is that it is a common sense approach that also recognizes reality, and I for one applaud it. A strict ban I believe would be counterproductive and also would be difficult to enforce.

Nick Shestople