All Things Whistleblower: A GAP Blog

Whistle Where You Work Episodes 19 & 20!

Whistle Where You Work Episodes 19 & 20 are now online. You can view them here. Below are the synopses for both episodes:

Episode 19: Conversations with FBI Whistleblower Coleen Rowley; FAA Whistleblower Peter Nesbitt

First, a long conversation with FBI whistleblower Coleen Rowley, who blew the whistle on the FBI’s lack of adequate process and organization prior to 9/11. She was selected as one of Time Magazine’s Co-Persons of the Year in 2002. Her story is fascinating, and brings up numerous issues involving national security and whistleblower rights.

Then, a conversation with former Air Traffic Controller Peter Nesbitt, who exposed unsafe landing patterns (planes flying too close together) becoming too common at an airport. His supervisors retaliated against him for his brave his disclosure to the FAA.

Episode 20: Andrew Kreig; Adam Kolton; Tom Devine

First, we chat with attorney and investigative reporter Andrew Kreig about the whistleblower case making headlines in Alabama involving the Department of Justice and that state’s governor. Then, we sit down with Adam Kolton of the National Wildlife Federation to discuss the story of a public relations firm with ties to the energy industry. The firm falsely wrote letters from groups (NAACP) to key Senatorial staff asking for the impending climate legislation to be shelved. The groups had no idea they were doing so, and actually supported the legislation in different cases. Finally, GAP Legal Director Tom Devine provides us with an update on the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, and what viewers can do to support the cause. This episode was filmed in late September.

Whistle Where You Work Episodes 19 & 20!

Whistle Where You Work Episodes 19 & 20 are now online. You can view them here. Below are the synopses for both episodes:

Episode 19: Conversations with FBI Whistleblower Coleen Rowley; FAA Whistleblower Peter Nesbitt

First, a long conversation with FBI whistleblower Coleen Rowley, who blew the whistle on the FBI’s lack of adequate process and organization prior to 9/11. She was selected as one of Time Magazine’s Co-Persons of the Year in 2002. Her story is fascinating, and brings up numerous issues involving national security and whistleblower rights.

Then, a conversation with former Air Traffic Controller Peter Nesbitt, who exposed unsafe landing patterns (planes flying too close together) becoming too common at an airport. His supervisors retaliated against him for his brave his disclosure to the FAA.

Episode 20: Andrew Kreig; Adam Kolton; Tom Devine

First, we chat with attorney and investigative reporter Andrew Kreig about the whistleblower case making headlines in Alabama involving the Department of Justice and that state’s governor. Then, we sit down with Adam Kolton of the National Wildlife Federation to discuss the story of a public relations firm with ties to the energy industry. The firm falsely wrote letters from groups (NAACP) to key Senatorial staff asking for the impending climate legislation to be shelved. The groups had no idea they were doing so, and actually supported the legislation in different cases. Finally, GAP Legal Director Tom Devine provides us with an update on the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, and what viewers can do to support the cause. This episode was filmed in late September.

Whistle Where You Work Episode 18: Obama's Transparency; Troop Safety

The Obama administration promised a new era in government transparency. After the first six months, have they lived up to their promises? How does it compare to the Bush administration, but more importantly, what should the public have expected? We look at previous administrations, the recent FOIA directive, TARP and bailout transparency, the use of the state secrets privilege, and other indications from the past 180 days that show how the Obama administration is treating this issue.

Then, we chat with Franz Gayl, a veteran of the Marine Corps who, as a civilian official at the Pentagon, chose to expose the bureaucratic holdup of putting MRAP vehicles – which offer significantly greater protection to American troops than Humvees – in the field. Gayl was retaliated against for his actions.

This episode was filmed in early August 2009.

Click here to watch this latest episode.