A whistleblower is an employee who brings to light actions by his or her employers that violate some type of law. Being a whistleblower, especially when working for a government agency, can sometimes have frightening repercussions. However, that has not stopped government employees of agencies, and administrations past and present, from leaking some of the wrongdoings of the U.S. government to the press and public. Here are three of the most famous whistleblowers in American history. MARK FELT (DEEP THROAT) Known for exposing one of the most famous scandals in U.S. history involving a sitting president, Mark Felt, known to the public only as “Deep Throat” until 2005, was an associate director of the FBI who exposed the Nixon Administration’s connection to a break- in at Democratic Party headquarters. The information about the administration’s efforts to cover up the break-in, given to Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, ultimately led to President Nixon’s resignation. It was the only time in U.S. history that a president has resigned from office. LINDA TRIPP President Bill Clinton became the second president in U.S. history to be impeached after Linda Tripp, who worked in the Pentagon’s public affairs office at the time, secretly recorded phone conversations between her and Monica Lewinsky. Clinton had lied under oath about allegations that he had had an affair with Lewinsky during her time as an intern at the White House, and Tripp’s recordings gave Congress ample reason to impeach him. EDWARD SNOWDEN Snowden is perhaps the most well-known whistleblower of the new millennium. While he worked as a subcontractor for the HOW THESE INDIVIDUALS CHANGED THE NATION FAMOUS WHISTLEBLOWERS IN U.S. HISTORY
THE MANY WONDERS OF OMEGA-3S ONE LITTLE PILL THAT CAN DO YOUR BODY GOOD Because fish oil is said to improve everything from heart health to chronic dry eye, it may sound a bit like, well, snake oil. But this brilliant little supplement packs a big punch, especially for older adults. HEART HEALTH BENEFITS The omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been shown to support heart health in multiple ways. The Mayo Clinic cites research suggesting that higher levels of EPA are associated with a reduced risk of congestive heart failure in older adults. Studies also report that people with moderate to severe hypertension typically see a positive effect on their blood pressure if they regularly take omega-3s. JOINT AND EYE BENEFITS Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with osteoarthritis and other joint disorders by lubricating the joints and acting as an anti-inflammatory. As we age, our ability to produce tears diminishes. Fish oil’s lubricating and anti-inflammatory properties also make it a great treatment for and defense against chronic dry eye. COGNITIVE FUNCTION BENEFITS Several studies have concluded that regularly consuming omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain cognitive function. While research shows no cognitive recovery in extremely elderly subjects who already suffer from dementia, evidence indicates that taking fish oil on a regular basis may prevent or postpone the onset of cognitive decline. Omega-3 consumption may also improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from depression or anxiety at any age. WHICH OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME? If you eat fatty fish several times a week every week, you may already get enough omega-3s, but it can be difficult to get a therapeutic dose of fish oil from food alone on a regular basis. A fish oil supplement can provide additional fatty acids. Look for an ingredient list that specifically shows EPA and DHA; some brands use misleading labeling that only shows the total amount of fish oil rather than the actual omega-3s. Recommendations vary, but most sources indicate that a dosage of 1,000–2,000 milligrams (1–2 grams) of combined EPA and DHA provides benefits. If the smell or “fish burps” bother you, choose enteric-coated capsules, which dissolve in the small intestine rather than the stomach. Omega-3 caps also come in vegan options sourced from seaweed and algae.
NSA, he compiled a dossier of any documents detailing practices that he found disturbing. After leaving the U.S., he gave copies of the dossier to journalists from The Guardian.
Some of the documents revealed that the U.S. government was tapping the communication devices of its own citizens. Snowden applied for asylum in Russia after the U.S. government charged him with espionage, and he currently lives somewhere in Moscow.
Whether you agree with the actions of certain whistleblowers or not, there are federal laws that protect them from repercussions from their employers. Our attorneys are available to evaluate these kinds of cases today.
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