Both Rob Kall and yourself have been huge supporters of the whistleblower movement. Since 2008, OEN has featured dozens of articles regarding the Whistleblower Protection Act, and our yearly meetings to promote the WPEA. Rob has been a featured speaker, and he also introduced us to many influential Congress people. We had one very good meeting with Congressmen from Michigan and Rob that was pivotal.
Terrific! And what about your role as the OEN editor for whistleblower news?
Yes, it has been extremely helpful in our goal to promote consensus. We actually have unanimous support now in the Senate. We were able to unite hundreds of good government groups.
Part of the record of OEN's role can be seen at my author's page:
You've used the Silver Screen in your efforts to push for the passage of the WPEA. How and why?
Yes, I love to write about the movies, and often find stories of the little guy up against the big guy. Michael Clayton and The Insider powerfully show the need for the WPEA. Although, getting to know Dr. Jeff Wigand I've found that he is completely different than the movie. The insider is a great movie, but it doesn't do justice to Dr. Wigand's incredible intellect. Also, Dr. Wigand is as funny as hell.
What about Harry Potter ? The connection to the WPEA there is less obvious.
I loved the shift midway into the series where Harry suddenly is leading a rebellion against McCarthy-like establishment forces. Even the Wizards of Hogwarts couldn't handle the truth.
Some movies did a disservice. The Informant was a particularly distorted view of an important case. It was a caricature.
A few more questions if you don't mind, Jim. I see that you have called Paul Revere the founding father of whistleblowing. Tell us about that.
Yes- Paul Revere rode through the villages blowing the whistle that the redcoats were coming! Frank Serpico likes that analogy.. he thinks whistleblowers should be called "lamplighters" because we are like the men in the North tower lighting the lamp so that Paul Revere can warn the country.
Which presidents have been most concerned with whistleblower protection? Is it a modern phenomenon?
Abraham Lincoln was the first to enact whistleblower protection laws so that the government would not be ripped off by crooked defense contractors. Then, Ronald Reagan modernized the laws to fight waste fraud and corruption. President Obama defended a whistleblower who won a Supreme court victory when he was in private practice.
So, there is a long line of American figures realizing that truth tellers must be protected. This is as patriotic and bipartisan as apple pie and hot dogs.
Sen. Grassley honored at first Whistleblower Week, DC, 2007
If that's the case, why has it been so hard to get this bill?
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