Racism is also a problem in the penal system. Furthermore, even if only one innocent person were sentenced to death it would be too many. 1. Perez's observations are most likely correct. Although whistleblowers perform an admirable and courageous act of public service, their efforts are thwarted by legal, political, and social obstacles. I fully agree with the author's observations but still believe whitleblowers are admirable. Whistleblowers should be encouraged to come forward because they ensure a more ethical society. Discouraging whistleblowing allows white collar crime to flourish.

2. Rob Perez claims that whistleblowers suffer consequences including social isolation that may outweigh the impact of their courageous deeds. Colleagues and coworkers cut off the whistleblower. A whistleblower is brought into the public eye, making it difficult for that individual to operate socially or in a business environment. A whistleblower might lose all his or her business accounts and contacts because they are viewed as being untrustworthy.

Citing evidence from whistleblowers whose testimony resulted in convictions, Perez notes that many regret their decision to come forward due to the personal problems they face. Even whistleblower defense groups discourage coming forward because of the personal and financial consequences. Families have been torn apart because of the stress that ensues after coming forward. A spouse, significant other, or

Whistleblowers also have trouble getting their cases tried in court, negating the possible positive outcomes of their testimony. Financial recompense, when it is available, fails to make up for being socially isolated and ostracized. Yet many whistleblowers lose their jobs and have no compensation for their work. Perez does not directly discourage whistleblowing but does warn readers that coming forward can be disastrous and unproductive.
Whistleblowers may be "branded as snitches or troublemakers," (p. 1). People who come forward may have trouble finding another job because of the incident, as future employers would be wary of hiring someone who might hurt their business. Strife at home and with friends is also a possible consequence, and financial remuneration is rarely enough to offset the negative impacts of whistleblowing. Psychological issues like guilt can also lead to mental and physical health problems.

3. Perez states that most whistleblower cases fail to make it to trial because attorneys are "reluctant..unless the potential for damages is enough to justify filing a lawsuit," (p. 3). Anonymity is impossible to maintain because the legal investigation becomes too difficult. Furthermore, many would-be whistleblowers give up before their cases can be brought to trial because they fear retribution and have few safety nets such as financial compensation. Whistleblower cases can be extremely costly, deterring programs that support coming forward.

4. Anonymous reporting is insufficient. Follow-up questions cannot be asked to an anonymous whistleblower. Some anonymous cases end up being inadequate to warrant a trial.

5. Most cases of whistleblowing involve an employee going up against a major corporation. Outranked by an institution with more political and financial power, a potential whistleblower has little chance of winning a case. The organization is a Goliath: a formidable monster. The Davids who want to boldly step forward fear retribution. Their income and their livelihoods are at stake. As a result, few employees actually come forward.