Montgomery Advertiser: Obama Promises VA Whistleblowers Protection
President Obama addressed the recent scandal surrounding the medical mistreatment at Veterans Affairs locations and the whistleblowers that reported it. At an American Legion national convention earlier this week, Obama said, “If you blow the whistle on higher-ups because you’ve identified a legitimate problem, you shouldn’t be punished, you should be protected.”
Groups Outraged by Judge’s Ruling on Kauai Pesticide Law
A judge ruled this week that Kauai’s new pesticide transparency law is pre-empted by state law, siding with chemical companies aiming to block the law’s implementation. The move is a disheartening one for local groups who have pushed for more information about industrial use of toxic pesticides near sensitive areas like homes, schools, hospitals and streams. GAP’s Food Integrity Campaign (FIC), which has been working with local groups on the issue, details next steps.
New York Times: Keeping Corporate Lawyers Silent Can Shelter Wrongdoing
As more evidence of Walmart’s bribery scandal has emerged, the company has effectively silenced a former staff lawyer by invoking attorney-client privilege. This retaliation is another method by which corporations hide potential wrongdoing from the public. Despite the company’s efforts, a recent Delaware court decision may allow the former lawyer to share her story to the public, including shareholders.
The Inquirer: Who is Whistleblower David Damon, who is Suing Vanguard?
A whistleblower alleges that Vanguard Group Inc. built $3 trillion in assets on illegal tax strategies. In a whistleblower lawsuit, he states “Vanguard’s tax avoidance and lack of regulatory oversight have cost federal and state governments more than $1 billion.”
Chemical Use Still Causing Trouble in Meat and Poultry Industry
FIC has also received information from USDA meat and poultry inspectors about hazardous chemicals at processing plants and workers’ inability to acquire information about these substances. Companies use many chemical agents to sanitize facilities and kill foodborne pathogens, but some speculate that these chemicals are to blame for worker symptoms like eye irritation, dizziness, headaches and respiratory problems.
Michael Riley is a Communications Intern for the Government Accountability Project, the nation’s leading whistleblower protection and advocacy organization.