On this Independence Day we remember patriots and heroes of all types. When we do so, we should keep in mind the courageous whistleblowers who helped shape our nation. The patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence over 235 years ago concluded the Declaration with these words:
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor
Had their bold experiment failed, they would have lost everything, including their lives.
As the long 4th of July holiday weekend is unfolding, let us remember the vision, sacrifice, faith, and hard work that have preserved our democracy and appreciate the many acts–large and small–that contribute to the common good.
Among these are the courageous whistleblowers who at great personal cost come forward to tell “the government,” our government, that it is being cheated by a defense contractor, a health care company, a bank, or others. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they fail, but regardless they are doing their part as citizens in a democracy.
In just the past month, we have already seen: the largest settlement involving alleged violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute by skilled nursing facilities in the United States; Trinity Industries ordered to pay $463.4 million for defrauding the Federal Highway Administration; and UPS’s agreement to pay for False Claims Act violations. All due to the contributions of whistleblowers. Their bravery, and the dedication of the public servants who work on these cases, inspire us.
We wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July from Boston!
