It was back in 2009 that the city of Bozeman got in trouble for asking job applicants for their Facebook and other social network passwords.

We thought it was kind of icky then, and represented a remarkable invasion of privacy that ought to be met with general opprobrium. Instead, as we learned recently, it became a trend that employers worldwide decided to follow.

Now, the Justice Department has been asked to determine whether the practice violates federal law. We aren’t sure how that investigation will turn out, but if it isn’t illegal now, it sure ought to be.

Not only does it turn employees (or potential employees) into mere chattel or office furniture, but it gives employers access to information they are forbidden from considering in the hiring process such as age, gender, race and religion. It also opens the way for prurient peeping at non-public posts by nosy bosses.

Icky is about to become yucky, unless Congress does something about it. Keep our private stuff private. If Facebook users want to open their wall up to the public, they can do so on their own. If they don’t, employers ought to keep out.

AS USUAL, there is rain in the forecast for this weekend’s Creston Auction, but no matter: The auction has long been highly successful despite wet weather.

Going into its 46th year, the auction has become kind of a cultural cornerstone in the Flathead Valley, one that has deep roots with the agricultural community but has broad appeal to people of all stripes.

There is always plenty of merchandise available at bargain buys through colorful auctioneers. There is good food and fun. If you haven’t been to a Creston Auction before, we urge you to check it out! Saturday is for general merchandise, and Sunday is for vehicles of all kinds.