Sure, in the real world. But do you think federal employees live in the real world? I’m sure they know exactly how much they can get away with before running the risk of any repercussions. So they turned their backs and then went back to their offices to watch porn.
No, I am talking swamp world. You can do every damn thing wrong in the books and keep your job, but gross insubordination, refusal to execute direction from your superior is a fireable offense. Foot-dragging and incomptetence are rewarded.