20score
20score's Journal“National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" For Heroes such as Manning and Snowden
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.
Today’s INCREDIBLY Easy to Make Predictions
(Not afraid to put this in writing due to my natural ability to see the future. John Edward - the psychic - has nothin’ on me!)
Future generations will look back at our time and the conventional wisdom will hold the following positions - or your money back.
1. The Iraq War was a moral and moronic failure.
2. Global warming should have been dealt with decades ago and the deniers of yesteryear sucked as humans.
3. Over-population is a very, very big problem. Biggest really.
4. George Bush was a humorous, criminal, embarrassment.
5. Edward Snowden was a hero. So was Glen Greenwald.
6. Taking care of the middle and working classes was a damned good idea. We should have kept up with it.
7. Making the ultra-wealthy and corporations pay their fair share of taxes should have been carried on through the 21st century.
8. Mountaintop removal was just plain evil.
9. Solar and hydrogen power are far better than fossil fuels.
10. People attracted to the same sex are able to marry whomever they choose and the world kept spinning.
11. A few extremely wealthy people in a land filled with a majority that find it hard to take care of basic needs - does not a great country make.
12. Our ancestors gave up our rights far too easily. What was wrong with them?
My crystal ball needs to recharge its aura… or something. May be back later to add to this list.
Profile Information
Gender: MaleMember since: Fri Jul 4, 2008, 02:39 PM
Number of posts: 4,769
