The True History of Whistleblowers, Drone Warfare, and Mass Surveillance

Verax: The True History of Whistleblowers, Drone Warfare, and Mass Surveillance: A Graphic Novel

by Jason Stein

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	63020 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	240 pages

FREE

In the annals of history, whistleblowers have played a pivotal role in exposing wrongng, holding the powerful to account, and safeguarding the public interest. From Daniel Ellsberg's release of the Pentagon Papers to Edward Snowden's revelations about the National Security Agency's mass surveillance program, whistleblowers have risked their lives and livelihoods to shine a light on the darkest corners of society.

In recent years, the rise of drone warfare and mass surveillance has raised new ethical and legal challenges for whistleblowers. The use of drones to carry out targeted killings and the collection of vast amounts of data on innocent civilians have sparked widespread concern about the erosion of privacy and the potential for abuse.

Despite the risks, whistleblowers continue to come forward with information that the public has a right to know. In this article, we will explore the true history of whistleblowing, drone warfare, and mass surveillance, with a focus on the individuals who have risked their lives to expose wrongng.

Whistleblowing: A History of Courage and Sacrifice

The history of whistleblowing is long and storied, with examples dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. In the United States, the tradition of whistleblowing can be traced back to the Founding Fathers, who recognized the importance of protecting those who speak out against corruption and abuse of power.

In the early 20th century, whistleblowers played a key role in exposing a number of corporate scandals, including the Teapot Dome scandal and the General Motors ignition switch recall. In the 1970s, whistleblowers helped to bring down the Nixon administration and expose the Watergate scandal.

In the 21st century, whistleblowing has become increasingly important as governments and corporations have become more powerful and complex. Whistleblowers have played a key role in exposing a wide range of wrongng, including the Abu Ghraib prison torture scandal, the financial crisis of 2008, and the Volkswagen emissions scandal.

Drone Warfare: A New Era of Targeted Killing

Drone warfare is a relatively new form of warfare that has raised a number of ethical and legal concerns. Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles that can be used to carry out targeted killings or collect intelligence. The use of drones has come under fire from critics who argue that it is illegal, unethical, and counterproductive.

One of the biggest concerns about drone warfare is the lack of transparency and accountability. The US government has refused to release detailed information about the drone program, including the number of people killed and the criteria used to target individuals.

Another concern is the potential for abuse. Drones can be used to target individuals without due process of law. This raises the risk of innocent civilians being killed or injured.

Despite the concerns, the use of drones is likely to continue to increase in the years to come. Drones are seen as a cost-effective and efficient way to carry out targeted killings and collect intelligence.

Mass Surveillance: A Threat to Privacy and Civil Liberties

Mass surveillance is the systematic collection of data on a large scale. This data can include everything from phone calls and text messages to internet browsing history and social media activity.

The rise of mass surveillance has raised a number of concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Critics argue that mass surveillance is a violation of the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

There is also concern that mass surveillance can be used to target dissidents and political activists. The government could use mass surveillance to track the activities of individuals who are critical of the government or who are involved in political dissent.

The debate over mass surveillance is likely to continue in the years to come. The government argues that mass surveillance is necessary to protect national security. Critics argue that mass surveillance is a violation of privacy and civil liberties.

The Role of Whistleblowers in Exposing Wrongng

Whistleblowers have played a key role in exposing wrongng in the areas of drone warfare and mass surveillance. In 2013, Edward Snowden leaked classified information about the NSA's mass surveillance program. Snowden's revelations sparked a global debate about the balance between national security and privacy.

In 2015, Chelsea Manning was convicted of leaking classified information about the US military and diplomatic activities in Iraq and Afghanistan. Manning's leaks exposed war crimes and other wrongng by the US government.

Snowden and Manning are just two examples of the many whistleblowers who have risked their lives and livelihoods to expose wrongng. These individuals have made a significant contribution to public discourse and have helped to hold the powerful to account.

The history of whistleblowing, drone warfare, and mass surveillance is a complex and often controversial one. Whistleblowers have played a key role in exposing wrongng and holding the powerful to account. However, the use of drones and mass surveillance has raised a number of new ethical and legal challenges.

The debate over drone warfare and mass surveillance is likely to continue in the years to come. It is important to have a full understanding of the issues involved in order to make informed decisions about the future of these technologies.

Verax: The True History of Whistleblowers, Drone Warfare, and Mass Surveillance: A Graphic Novel

by Jason Stein

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	63020 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	240 pages

FREE