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The Whistleblower
For the last year, I have been working to flush out corruption and collusion in the small town where I live. Our town is a
close-knit community. There is little opportunity to speak out against corrupt politicians without fear of reprisal. Not all claims of
corruption were being fairly reported in the local newspaper, the only prior medium someone could use to expose wrongdoing. Instead, the
local newspaper carefully controlled what was being said, providing readers with biased stories and only showing concern for their
advertising revenues.
The Web site I run has enabled me to have a voice and to allow others to anonymously post their views and opinions; be they complimentary or
contrary. Because the local newspaper mandates any letters to the editor be signed with the writer's name, any overly critical opinions
citizens had were stifled. Moreover, those that were critical potentially placed themselves in jeopardy of retribution if the information or
opinion they had did not follow the local political agenda.
When I first started this site, I was somewhat aware of the Whois database. I was completely unaware of the implications until it was
pointed out to me by our very knowledgeable webmaster that anyone, anywhere could get all of my private information, free of charge, any
time day or night, and use it detrimentally.
I was stunned. How could I run such a controversial site and still retain my privacy? How could we expose the corruption while protecting
our rights to challenge local government without fear of retribution for exercising free speech?
I learned about private registrations from my Registrar. I found that, for a small fee, my information could be kept out of the Whois
database. This is no different from the telephone company providing an unlisted number. With private registrations, I can now exercise my
right of free speech while minimizing the real fear of retaliation and retribution to my family and me. This is an invaluable service.
Without the protection afforded by the private domain registration, the right to freely and safely speak out would be severely hindered.
Because of private registrations I have been able to "blow the whistle" on corruption and mismanagement in my local government without fear.
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