War on Whistleblowers: Free Press and the National Security State

War on Whistleblers: Free Press and the National Security State is a gripping 2013 documentary film that puts the government's stance on whistleblowers under a severely critical lens. Featuring prominent personalities such as Daniel Ellsberg, known for his release of the Pentagon Papers; Franz Gayl, former United States Marine Corps Science adviser; and Seymour Hersh, the investigative journalist who illuminated the My Lai Massacre and its cover-up, the film aims to expose the harsh consequences faced by those who dare to uncover the truth.

Directed by Robert Greenwald, War on Whistleblowers' primary focus is on four individuals who have felt the full force of their choices. This line-up includes Thomas Drake, a former senior executive at the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA); Michael DeKort, a former project manager at Lockheed Martin; Franz Gayl; and the former Department of Justice Ethics Advisor, Jesselyn Radack. The film not only recounts their experiences but deeply explores the increasing trend of government retaliation and suppression against whistleblowers.

Echoing the governmental push and pull over classified information and freedom of the press, the film delves headfirst into the experiences of these individuals. Their stories run the gamut from personal to professional disaster when their ethical choice of speaking out against wrongdoing led to stringent pushback from those they were opposing.

Thomas Drake, for example, faced draconian repercussions for exposing gross waste and illegal activity at the NSA, while Michael DeKort risked his professional life by revealing profound security faults in the Coast Guard's fleet. Franz Gayl's struggle to bring to light the need for MRAP vehicles in Iraq's warfare sheds light on the hindrances faced by those who strive to catalyze change. Jesselyn Radack, given her position in the Department of Justice, offers an insider's perspective on the alarming tactics used against whistleblowers.

Equally compelling is the film’s spotlight on celebrated muckrakers of American journalism. These renowned individuals have made significant contributions to the culture of investigative journalism and provide an essential backdrop against the whistleblowers' chilling trials and tribulations. This includes Seymour Hersh and Daniel Ellsberg, whose acute insights serve as powerful testaments to the integral role of a free press in democracy.

War on Whistleblowers offers scathing criticisms of the U.S government's treatment of these individuals and its relentless efforts to silence those who dare to question authority or expose potential misconduct within the national security system. Contrary to the public's traditional perspective, the film portrays whistleblowers not as traitors or disgruntled employees but as the first line of defense against corruption, wrongdoing, and the erosion of democratic values.

Furthermore, the film brings to light the notion that while the state maintains its 'national security' rhetoric, it essentially practises a form of institutionalized retribution that can often stifle the free press. It perpetuates a narrative of fear and intimidation, where those who try to reveal the truth can face career-ending consequences.

War on Whistleblowers is not solely a series of case studies; it also paints a comprehensive picture of the historical, political, and social context that has led to this precarious modern age of whistleblowing. It draws connections between the whistleblowers' need to inform the public and inalienable rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of the press, effectively shedding light on the synergic relationship between whistleblowers and journalism in our times.

Moreover, the documentary serves as a call to arms for journalists and the general public to advocate for transparency and accountability within our institutions. It demonstrates the pivotal role of whistleblowers in maintaining the balance between the government's exercise of power and the safeguarding of individual rights and democratic principles.

Finally, the film also devotes a segment to the Obama administration's controversial history with whistleblowers. A striking addition to this conversation is Pulitzer-prize winning reporter, Jane Mayer, who calls this period the "most draconian crackdown on leaks in our history."

War on Whistleblowers: Free Press and the National Security State is thus a riveting and intense examination of the shadowy and often misunderstood world of governmental whistleblowing. It is an imperative watch for those interested in matters of press freedom, government secrecy, and the labyrinthine ways of power within national security establishments. A powerful testament to courage and truth, the documentary serves as an eye-opening reminder of the precarious balance between those who wish to speak truth to power within the national security state and the press' vital role in ensuring democracy's survival.