Fool Me Once

Chapter 7

Noble Whistleblowers

Just as we all have varied reactions toward accidental whistleblowers, we can also have a wide range of feelings about noble whistleblowers. The main difference between the two groups is that accidentals are observers. While minding their own business, they see something, and then they say something. But they’re usually not directly involved in the transgression. Kathe Swanson, for example, wasn’t told to do something illegal. She stumbled upon Rita Crundwell’s lies. That’s why she is accidental. Nobles, on the other hand, are usually asked to participate in the scheme themselves. So they really are risking something—their job, say, or their standing in the company or community—to not take part and blow the whistle. ...