The usual problem with screening companies is that they accuse you of things you didn't do -- and then sell that information to employers.

Why don't we talk about the real issue here -- namely, that these companies are doing jobs that should be done properly, by a federal workforce? But no, that would mean certain members of Congress couldn't get contracts for contributors and heaven forbid that happens!

The difference between the public and private sector is, the emphasis in a public job is on thoroughness and compliance with regulations, not speed and efficiency. As we're seeing now, the private-sector emphasis on getting things done more quickly and cheaper frequently backfires: