Category: commentary

Commentary on the Ukraine Controversy by Dr. Don Soeken

Posted Linda LewisPosted in commentary

The Baltimore Sun has published a commentary by Dr. Donald Soeken, founder and president of the Whistleblower Support Fund, who observes “the Ukraine controversy serves as a painful – but also very hopeful – reminder that ‘speaking the truth to power’ is often a crucial step in defending our liberties and protecting the rule of law.”

While working as a U.S. Public Health Service social worker in Washington, D.C., in the late 1970s, Soeken blew the whistle on forced fitness-for-duty psychiatric examinations of federal workers. Those targeted by the exams, he found, included whistleblowers. (more…)

Brave whistleblowers still face overwhelming odds

Posted Don SoekenPosted in advocacy, commentary, in the news

“Alamo Evening” by Steven Kennedy, Flickr CC

In a recent article, “Democrats on Capitol Hill ask White House not to gag federal employees“, the Washington Post quotes from a Congressional letter to President Trump.

“As the new Administration seeks to better understand what problems exist in this area, this is an appropriate time to remind employees about the value of protected disclosures to Congress and inspectors general in accordance with whistleblower protection law,” their letter added.

I have worked with whistleblowers for 40 years and would like to share my thoughts with the President and Congress about the problems they face.

(more…)

DHS blocks justice for whistleblower, wastes tax dollars

Posted staffPosted in commentary, in the news

money-on-fire-2Robert MacLean had been waiting seven years for resolution of his whistleblower complaint against the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Justice finally seemed near when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in his favor on April 26. But, now, the Department of Homeland Security (TSA’s parent agency) is trying to drag out the case for additional months and  possibly years at a cost to taxpayers that is hard to justify.  (more…)

Do Not Forsake Them: Whistleblowers Critical to Rule of Law

Posted staffPosted in commentary, in the news

Gary_Cooper_in_High_Noon_1952-1The 1952 film classic, “High Noon,” is widely considered an allegory for McCathyism’s attacks on civil liberties.  McCarthyism is gone, but “High Noon” remains relevant today as an allegory for another kind of witch hunt:  the war on whistleblowers…especially whistleblowers who defend the rule of law.

The film’s protagonist, Will Kane (played by Gary Cooper), is the marshal of a small town in the American West.  On the day of his wedding to a Quaker woman (Grace Kelly), word comes that Frank Miller and his gang are on their way, seeking retribution against those who sent him to prison. Kane tries without success to raise a posse to confront the gang. Some townspeople dismiss the threat as Kane’s personal problem—it was he who arrested Miller.  Gradually, it becomes clear that much more is at stake: the rule of law, and the society built on its foundation.  (more…)