“National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" For Heroes such as Manning and Snowden

[20score]

Last edited Sat May 31, 2014, 09:10 PM - Edit history (1)

Last year senators Grassley and Levin introduced Senate Resolution 202 which, “Designates July 30, 2013, as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.” It was agreed to by Unanimous Consent.


Taking into account the heroic actions of Chelsea Manning followed by the unconscionable treatment she received, then the dismissal by the media and those in power of the crimes she exposed. Considering the courage exhibited by Edward Snowden as those in power and in the media devote massive amounts of time and energy to character assassination – while shifting focus away from unconstitutional and power-abusing actions on a monumental scale – and the sacrifices he’s made to inform the public about ubiquitous spying. Thinking about honoring those such as William Binney and Russ Tice who warned the country in 2002 and 2005, respectively, about NSA spying. Giving thought to John Kiriakou, the CIA whistleblower who after exposing torture, was the only person to receive prison time for the torture scandal.


In 1777 two naval officers, Samuel Shaw and Richard Marven exposed the torture of British POWs during the Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress enacted the first whistleblower protection law on July 30, 1778 by unanimous vote. There have been dozens of others since then who risked their jobs, freedom, possessions, reputations and sometimes their lives in order to stop injustices and inform the public of wrong-doings. They deserve their own day. It’s time to make July 30th a holiday.

[suede1]

1. I think this is a great idea!

Don't think it will happen but it should.

[20score]

2. Thanks.

Have to start somewhere.

[20score]

3. (For those who will parrot talking points against Snowden and Greenwald. We’ve heard it before,

and you’re still wrong.)

[marym625]

4. Great idea

But it will never happen. Not in this political climate. Hell, the majority of Americans think Snowden did the right thing. Not necessarily think he's a hero like I do but that he should have done what he did. And the USA Government still wants to put him away for life.

We live in a country that allowed a judge, Preska, whose husband was a "victim" of Lulzsec, decide Jeremy Hammond's fate. A whistle blower in jail for a decade. A judge that legally had the duty to recuse herself. A judge who then called the rat that helped the FBI capture other hacktivists from Lulzsec and the only one that actually stole money, "extraordinary. " Another Lulzsec member in prison for two decades in the UK.

Have we already gone too far to turn back?

Good posting 20Score. Thanks for the information too. I didn't know about the 1778 law.

[20score]

5. Thanks for bring that case up! It's beyond the pale! That judge should be in prison.

Maybe I'll write a post about Jeremy Hammond tomorrow.

[marym625]

6. LOVE Hammond

He is a Chicago guy too.

Would be great to read your take. I have some older links to articles if you are interested.

Sabu should be in jail and Aykroyd and Hammond should be free. And Preska should be censured.

[randome]

7. Did you see the NBC interview? Snowden said he knows of no NSA illegalities.

He therefore doesn't fit into even the most expansive definition of 'whistleblower'. By his own words.

Although I'm sure he'd welcome a ticker tape parade.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Treat your body like a machine. Your mind like a castle.[/center][/font][hr]

[20score]

8. Is there ever an end to the B.S.?

[elias49]

9. Don't hold your breath...nt

[marym625]

11. When people realize

Their rights being infringed upon is not okay because they think they have "nothing to hide." Or that blanket surveillance is not for national security but is just national and corporate intrusion for individuals in power to gain. For greed and control.

[marym625]

10. I saw it.

He didn't say that. In fact, he said they were breaking Constitutional law.

He deserves a ticker tape parade