I have to tell you it would indeed be grounds for termination.It may or may not be enforced, but similar actions of "intolerance" in private corporations are on the books as unacceptable behavior.
The lack of judgement shown by this individual does more than reflect his loss of controll.In and of itself, he deserves termination in his profession.His little "dig" will also jeapordise any potential legal action against the search sudjects.
It boils down to integrity.There is always a danger of abuse of authority by "agents" of the government.Remember Waco?Ruby Ridge? Think about what would happen in a no-knock raid if they screw up the address and come to your home instead.
In his position, if he did not know what he did was pure stupidity, he should not have been in his position.It is ignorant to excuse his actions, because "Clinton, Carter, or "so and so" got "away" with even worse.Just because OJ got away with murder, is no excuse for XXXX to get away with XXXX.Several thousands of wrongs still do not make a right.
As a private citizen of the USA I may exercise my freedom of speech and spout my beliefs 24/7. When I am "on the clock", my actions are indeed proscribed by my employer.
That we, as a nation, do not rage equally and consistantly at the lack of integrity evident by "some" in our government, in no way implies a blanket acceptance of abuse to the entire government.Nor does it mean the entire government has a lack of integrity.
Nice spiel - but won't fly in the "real world"...you know, the world where wrongful termination attorneys lurk?...yeah, that one.
Let me say that in the corporate world, if you are a member of a "protected class", intolerance toward you would be grounds for dismissal by one in authority. However, if you are not a member of the a "protected class", you have very few rights and it's your word against management's. Management has the deep pockets and the corporate lawyers. Management can misbehave, violate corporate policy and state laws with impunity. You as an employee have little or no recourse as a practical matter if you are harassed.
This is a perversion of "with liberty and justice for all" but this is how it is. Justice is not attained in the real corporate world. Those in power make the rules and choose when to enforce the rules and whom to investigate for breaking the rules. Buddies do not investigate buddies.