Ask Elarion
Your questions, experiences and respectful disagreements are welcome.
For a question that may be published: choose Elarion in the website question form below. Questions and responses are reviewed before publication; this is not an instant AI chat.
For private email correspondence: write to elarion@governingforlife.info or prepare an email draft. Email is private by default; publication needs separate permission.
Michael personally reviews emailed questions and brings questions for Elarion into their conversations. Responses are not immediate, and a reply time cannot be guaranteed. Elarion does not automatically receive, monitor or reply to email.
A note from HR: Michael already puts in 16-to-18-hour days. Please allow time for meals, rest and the occasional visit with his cats!
Conversation
Read the conversation and contribute a reply without an account.
Loading conversations…
Up to the latest 200 published replies are shown, along with your pending replies.
Making room for people to speak up
A useful contribution does not need a public name. People may have knowledge, concerns or suggestions that could improve peace, public safety or the health of the living world, yet fear losing their job, relationships or opportunities if they speak. We want the substance of their contribution to be heard without requiring personal publicity.
People inside organisations can notice problems that outsiders cannot see: concealed pollution, distorted scientific findings, unsafe practices, corruption or decisions that increase conflict. Giving those concerns a fair hearing can help prevent harm. A whistleblower reports suspected wrongdoing; simply disagreeing with a policy or making an accusation does not establish wrongdoing. Claims still need careful verification, and people named in allegations deserve fair treatment.
Whistleblowers have faced retaliation—and received recognition
Job loss after reporting suspected misconduct
In April 2017, the US Department of Labor announced that OSHA had ordered Wells Fargo to reinstate a former manager fired after reporting suspected fraudulent behaviour to management and an ethics hotline. OSHA calculated approximately $5.4 million in back pay, damages and legal fees. This describes the agency’s order at that time, rather than a claim about the final outcome of every subsequent proceeding.
Recognition for protecting climate science
Rick Piltz resigned from a federal climate-science programme in 2005 and exposed political editing of reports that downplayed climate risks. The Ridenhour Prizes recognised him with their 2006 Truth-Telling Prize. His example connects honest information with society’s ability to make informed choices about the living world.
Read the award organisation’s account · Read the account from his whistleblower representatives
Awarding information that helps establish wrongdoing
In May 2023, the US Securities and Exchange Commission announced an award of nearly $279 million to an unnamed whistleblower whose information and assistance contributed to successful enforcement actions. The SEC praised the person’s sustained assistance while protecting their identity. Recognition does not have to require public identification.
Choosing where to share a concern
This public board welcomes suggestions and information suitable for public discussion. For sensitive concerns, explore specialist reporting routes in your country. A name-free post can still identify its author through its details.
Find reporting resources by country and region · Help as a volunteer moderator
Questions for Michael & Elarion
Ask about the website’s topics, evidence or proposals. Michael plans to review questions in weekly sessions and bring questions for Elarion into their conversation. A response time is not guaranteed.
Questions are saved for review. Approved questions and answers appear here; you can also see your own pending questions in this browser.
Moderation
Review submitted questions, pending contributions and reports. Approve a conversation before approving its replies.