Photo of Julian Assange by John Keane
I have been concerned about the use of the names and faces of whistleblowers and leakers, as useful victims. Such a strategy is not new. Unknown to many of us, and buried in history, two thousand years ago the Romans strung up thousands of Jews on crosses, along well travelled roads. It was a warning to others who may defy their authority. The internet is now our corridor, and our authorities have employed the same tactics with our own dissidents. I wrote recently about the increasing frequency of the harassment of whistleblowers and leakers, and how it has made it seem as though it might be important to develop another method for addressing corruption and wrong-doing; I worry about the price being paid by individuals and the diminishing returns of their actions. But today, I read an article by John Keane, a professor at the University of Sydney, on his recent lunch with Julian Assange at Equador’s Embassy in London, where Assange has been confined for over 8 months. It was the first time someone took the time to address the strength that can shine through a person targeted and harassed for leaking facts that defy our modern authorities. It is as if one of those placed on the cross, thousands of years ago, was able to speak, and tell those who followed him, there is nobility and beauty in truth-telling.
I would encourage everyone to read this article, and to share it with others. Such actions can only help to render ineffective the abusive tactics of corrupt authorities who prefer to keep the truth about their bad acts in the dark.
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