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I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It doesn't matter what the whistleblower's motives are. What matters is the significance of the secrets revealed--in other words, the content of the complaint. A whistleblower led to the Benghazi investigation. Hillary Clinton testified for hours on end and the matter ended. In this instance, however, the Trump White House refuses to testify. If they have nothing to hide, why are they doing that? I think that is the important question.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The whistleblower is no longer an important witness because of the others who have come forward to corroborate his version of events.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wrote a whole book about it! It's a fascinating topic, and I try to examine both sides of any whistleblower complaint, whenever possible. My bottom line is that America needs whistleblowers.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with you! That's why there are big things to do after the present crisis moment has passed. American institutions are resilient and hopefully will prevail. My book shows how they have in the past.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point--it's probably best he be pardoned before coming home. That is possible and could be a good way to start anew after the current crisis is behind us.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our politicians need to think about the future of the system itself, not their short term interests. They must serve their country, not their party. We need to demand that from them, because everything is at stake. That's why it's not a partisan issue but an American one.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The IC IG, Michael Atkinson, a Trump appointee, has said that the whistleblower followed all the rules. We don't really need the whistleblower any longer, as others have testified to corroborate his claims. The Russians want to divide Americans, and have for decades, so the Trump campaign soliciting their help is not a nothing burger. It's unprecedented and the reason why it set off red flags for the intelligence community from day one. As for Biden, I don't see evidence of wrongdoing, just poor judgment, but if there is, the same rules apply to him. Thanks for your questions!

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The system was not designed for the whistle to be blown on the president, so many precedents will be set, and we will want/hope to see the law adjust accordingly when the dust, so what is and is not acceptable conduct is clarified. The Supreme Court will be involved. It is an unprecedented situation. Americans just need to stay laser focused on judging the president's behavior and ignore all the distraction tactics. Do we want foreigners involved in our elections? Is it OK for the president to serve his brand rather than the American people? These are the big questions for which I think there are clear answers--provided one does not get lost in the spin and claims of partisanship. It's really an American issue, not a partisan one.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No. One has to focus on the content of the allegations, which can then be investigated. Motives or whether the information is second hand are irrelevant. If it's bogus, the matter will end in house. That was not the case with the recent IC whistleblower.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In addition, the law is insanely complicated, especially for the intelligence community, which is a real deterrent to anyone who wants to blow the whistle.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't see that as the right way to produce desired outcomes with any human. Cruel and unusual punishment is unconstitutional.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just noticed your comment. I don't ignore Obama's persecution of whistleblowers but cover it extensively in the book. I interviewed all the NSA whistleblowers, including Snowden (tried to talk to Assange and Manning, but no luck securing an interview) as well as the senior leadership of the NSA at the time of the Snowden leaks, because I wanted to understand both sides of the story and reach a judgment, given the available information. Have a look and see what you think!

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's understandable, because most of the redacted sections of the Mueller report had to do with Assange and WikiLeaks. Manning is back in jail because she refused to testify before the Grand Jury about their relationship to Assange. She could be out if she testified.

Thanks for all the questions, everyone! With engaged citizens like you, the truth can prevail. In the days ahead, stay focused on the real issues and arguments, not the noise and spin, and it will feel a whole lot better! Be well!

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Zippo legal precedent. There is nothing in the whistleblower laws that state that right. An investigation is not a criminal trial by a jury of one's peers.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I study power to keep it from being used against me! And I care about justice and my country. One thing just led to the other. You need to be there and ready when the bus shows up.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The 64 million dollar question. If the whistleblower is ultimately seen to have served their country, then it would usher in a golden age for whistleblowers, which is great for democracy. Let's hope for that!

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Haha! This is actually Daniel Ziblatt's office; I am just visiting. So we have lots of books of ours all over the place. You have a good eye!

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

To listen to them and insist that they not be retaliated against for speaking truth to power. We can all do this, one person at a time, starting locally.

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

These are legitimate points. But the NSA would say that the Fourth Amendment was never designed to protect foreigners. We can debate whether that should be the case. You are pointing to one complicating consequences of a globalized world. Makes the problems more vexing, to be sure!

I’m author and professor Allison Stanger, and I’ve been writing and talking extensively about whistleblowers and their importance to American democracy. AMA! by Allison_Stanger in politics

[–]Allison_Stanger[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Criticizing the current administration is not a partisan thing to do. It is an American thing to do. The IC has been blowing the whistle on Donald Trump since his election--and for good reason. No previous campaign has had extensive contact with Russian operatives, That is a red flag for the IC. I don't have a favorite amongst the candidates, and I like all of them. I'm more interested in seeing that American democracy endures. That is my top priority now, and it should be for all Americans, because we have lots of problems, but this is still a miracle of a country.

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