Tell Congress to Support TSA Whistleblower Robert MacLean!
Summary: GAP, in conjunction with the Project on Government Oversight, has started a petition in support of whistleblower Robert MacLean, the former air marshal who was fired after he revealed the TSA’s plan to reduce the number of air marshals on flights.
When MacLean discovered that the TSA was planning to cut costs by removing air marshals from flights – at a time during heightened intelligence warning of hijackings – he did the right thing and blew the whistle. Many senators, at the time, praised the warning and fixed the situation by calling for the TSA to correct it (which the agency did). But MacLean was fired for his disclosure, and the government board that was supposed to protect him from retaliation sided with TSA.
Now, MacLean has one last chance to appeal the ruling made by the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board. Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), plan to submit a friend of the court brief in defense of MacLean.
Sign the petition & tell your Member of Congress to show support for whistleblowers by defending MacLean.
‘Addiction Incorporated’ Shows the Difficulties of Blowing the Whistle
Summary: Tomorrow is the Washington, DC premiere of Addiction Incorporated, a new documentary about Big Tobacco whistleblower Victor DeNoble. After the 7:40 showing at E Street Cinema, GAP Executive Director Bea Edwards will host a Q&A with DeNoble and film director Charles Evans, Jr.
Washington Post: Grassley Opens Investigation into FDA Surveillance
Summary: Senate whistleblower champion Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has launched an investigation into the alleged secret monitoring of whistleblowers’ personal email accounts by the FDA.
Climate Science Watch: ‘Like Dentists Practicing Cardiology’
Summary: A number of climate science experts wrote to the Wall Street Journal about its recently published op-ed, “No Need To Panic About Global Warming,” claiming that the authors are the “climate-science equivalent of dentists practicing cardiology.”
The op-ed argued that global warming was a “cunning ploy” to raise taxes and solicit donations. However, the letter points out that 97 percent of scientists who actively publish in the field believe climate change is real and the view of the authors is extreme.
Shocking Poultry Transport Conditions Throughout Country: Study
Summary: A recent survey has revealed that most poultry growers don't clean the crates or trucks that hens are shipped in before slaughter. GAP's Food Integrity Campaign reports.
Obama Administration: Leaks are OK When It’s Obama Defending Controversial Drone Program
Summary: Despite the Obama administration’s continued war on “leakers” (whistleblowers), it has no problem with its own officials disseminating information that reflects positively on the administration. GAP’s Jesselyn Radack detailed these contrasting positions in a recent blog post.
Hannah Johnson is Communications Associate for the Government Accountability Project, the nation's largest whistleblower protection and advocacy organization.
