“National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" For Heroes such as Manning and Snowden [View all]

[20score]

Last edited Sat May 31, 2014, 08:10 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.