America waging despicable war on whistleblowers
'Truth is like a lion ... Let it loose. It will defend itself'
Published: 11 hours ago
The Zenger Trial in the early 1700s led some colonials to ponder the greater public good in terms of the freedom to think, speak and write freely – especially in regard to criticizing public officials
The Zenger Trial in the early 1700s led some colonials to ponder the greater public good in terms of the freedom to think, speak and write freely – especially in regard to criticizing public officials
“Often the best source of information about waste, fraud, and abuse in government is an existing government employee committed to public integrity and willing to speak out. Such acts of courage and patriotism, which can sometimes save lives and often save taxpayer dollars, should be encouraged rather than stifled. We need to empower federal employees as watchdogs of wrongdoing and partners in performance. Barack Obama will strengthen whistleblower laws to protect federal workers who expose waste, fraud, and abuse of authority in government. Obama will ensure that federal agencies expedite the process for reviewing whistleblower claims and whistleblowers have full access to courts and due process.” – from the Biden-Obama Plan
In the early decades of the 1700s, a brave colonial printer (and German immigrant) named John Peter Zenger stood up to the British crown over the issue of press freedom and the ability to criticize, take on and take down immoral “leaders.” Through his trial, Zenger set alight the kindling that turned into the firestorm of 1776 and the birth of the United States of America. In 2016, the rise of the national security state, the so-called “War on Whistleblowers” and the buying off of lapdog “presstitute” journalists in bed with the government once again calls to mind Zenger’s ordeal.
Saint Augustine might well be the patron saint of journalists, for he once said, “The truth is like a lion. The lion doesn’t need to be defended. Set the lion free and the lion will defend itself.” Yet Zenger might be next in line for a papal sainthood regarding the Fourth Estate. You can read more about Zenger’s impact on freedom of the press here. History aficionados should check out this salient work.
Zenger printed the New York Weekly Journal and was critical of the ruling governor, William Cosby. (No relation to “America’s Father,” Bill Cosby of alleged sexual predator fame.) Zenger was bound as an apprentice for eight years, and he also served eight months in jail during this long ordeal. Zenger was eventually found innocent.
“Unexpected Verdict: The Trial of John Peter Zenger“:
Read more at
http://www.wnd.com/2016/04/america-waging-despicable-war-on-whistleblowers/#lcMz3blVEQmsfTIR.99
