Heroes and Heroines – the Whistleblower. Are America’s Unsung, and Mostly Unknown Protectors Facing Extermination? Evelynn Brown Believes So

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This topic came to mind when I was directed to read an article that appeared in Forbes Magazine earlier this month which was titled:  “A Barrage of Legal Threats Shuts Down Whistleblower Site, ‘Science Fraud.’”

Its author is rightfully horrified that Science Fraud, which in just six months of existence had caused suspect work in 300 peer review publications to be held up to the light of truth and found (seriously, in some cases) wanting.

Now, what does the “outed” person do when sunshine floods their corner of the world?  Why, sue, of course.  Ergo, in this case, “goodbye website.”

When an equivalent scenario happens in a corporate or governmental office, where some form of wrongdoing is exposed, their immediate weapon of choice is to fire or harass the troublemaker.

That’s how it is.  And, why should you and I care?  Why shouldn’t an employer be allowed to fire someone who has revealed that-which-must-be-concealed?  There are reputations to be protected, grand missions to continue.  And, oh yes, the bottom line to be protected.

I posed these questions to our 15 Minutes of Fact guest today, Evelynn Brown, a woman who has been a whistleblower herself who then went on to found the Whistleblower Advocacy Group, Whistlewatch.org and the Brown Center for Public Policy.  There, she and her team of experts work to educate the public on the importance of disclosures of violations of law or ethics as well as provide services to whistleblowers.

What is the role of government in protecting workers – especially whistleblowers?  How important is the Office of Special Counsel, and their role?  What is the responsibility of the journalist?

“There is too much being covered up, too much silencing of people, and not enough encouragement (of whistleblowing).

Listen to this “veteran of the wars” who has now created her own system of support and take courage.  It’s not an easy road, but it is a moral choice that must be taken if we are to preserve our integrity and personal honor.

You can find Evelynn Brown by way of email at EvyBrown@gmail.com, on LinkedIn as Evelynn Brown, on Twitter as @EvyBrown, and at her own website,  http://whistlewatch.org