In spite of the fact that there are a couple of errors in the first paragraph, you should read this article in the NY Times about privacy and the government, and not just because my father is featured heavily. It calls in to question requiring all Department of Education contractors to submit not only to fingerprinting but to background checks and investigations into criminal, medical and financial history all without regard for the type of work to be done. This policy costs taxpayers millions, erodes the privacy of the contractors, and accomplishes nothing.

[ The article says that Dr. Zucker was “willing to be fingerprinted and provide an employment history,” but this is not true. He was not and is not willing to be fingerprinted or answer personal questions to do contract research that has no security implications. ]