Society, business and government are complex systems, and people must make decisions every day about a wide range of issues. As most of us have learned, not everyone is noble or willing to make choices that benefit society and the institution (Most maybe but not everyone). When wrongdoing is discovered, good people step forward to report it—protecting the institution or organization, the people it serves, and the long-term health of society. Unfortunately, whistleblowers are not always appreciated; too often, they are retaliated against, which allows wrongdoing and corruption to continue and even grow. Today is election day so consider voting for those who have integrity and serve the noble purpose of their positions. Be part of the solution by casting a ballot the reflects your values.
Wistleblowers can create a redflag of wrong doing so voters can ponder who they want in those roles. Let’s consider a hypothetical, philosophical example of how whistleblowing could have protected society if the moral compass had stayed true north. Imagine a clan—a “good old boy” network—that protected its own no matter how much harm they caused others. Elderly, kids, minorities, undermining parents, taking advantage of women, etc. and many were touched by poor decision making. When crimes were reported, the whistleblowers faced swift retaliation. Behind closed doors, there were secret deals, defamation, human/civil rights violations, and other Machiavellian efforts to keep corruption hidden. The wrong people in the wrong positions with the wrong value systems. They were voted in because they could tell a good story and convince others through selective attention (i.e. meaning not considering a wider range of factors that lead to critical thinking and generally more thoughtful choices.)
While this story is purely for learning purposes, it carries a reminder that is especially relevant on election day. We are a free people, but there will always be those who misuse systems of power to enrich themselves or to advance distorted beliefs (racial, religious, political, etc. it doesn't matter the "ism".). Wrongdoing can persist for years, even decades, if the wrong type of people are placed in positions of authority (Choose good quality people to manage our system. Think beyond party, group or affiliation.). The story of the clan eventually is a positive story where good people and officials stood for what is right (their oaths over other lower loyalties) and were rewarded with a flourishing society (There are reasons why that happens and we will continue to explore). People began to vote with a higher moral conscious through knowledge and reflection of how their vote impacts societal/institutional outcomes.
Today, you have the opportunity to do something good for your community and society: elect leaders who will serve everyone. Whistleblowers remind us that truth and accountability matter. Heed their call. It is a feedback loop for society so people can vote in better people the next time. As you make your choice between parties and candidates, consider a new paradigm—one that values integrity, transparency, and the best and brightest minds to guide the systems we all rely on. In every box of apples there are going to be a few rotten ones so make sure we remove/block them. Vote your conscious.
These articles help understand some of the difficulties people face when they stand up for society. The more people who come forward, the more likely there is an underlining issue. Voting is one of the best ways to remove poor actors without all the risk. Whistleblowers can teach us about areas of improvement. Voting for what YOU believe as a person is part of your duties in a free democratic society. Your vote impacts your community, your friends, your family, and that of the next generation. Vote wisely.
National Whistleblower Center
Whistle Blower Protections-labor
What is Whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing in Theory and Evidence
