Ep 6. Shooting the Messenger

In the sixth episode of the first season of Truth and Power, titled "Shooting the Messenger," the series delves into the subject of whistleblowers and the risks they take in order to expose the truth. The episode centers around the case of Brandon Bryant, a former drone operator for the U.S. military who spoke out about the drone program and became the target of government retaliation.

The episode begins by highlighting the importance of whistleblowers in exposing corruption and wrongdoing, and the immense courage it takes for them to come forward. It then introduces Brandon Bryant and his role as a drone operator for the military, explaining how he began to question the morality and legality of the drone program after witnessing firsthand the devastating impact it had on innocent civilians.

Bryant's decision to speak out about his concerns is presented as a pivotal moment in the episode, as it leads to him becoming the target of government retaliation. The show explores the various tactics used by the government to silence whistleblowers, including the use of classified information designations and the threat of criminal charges.

The episode also delves into the emotional toll that whistleblowing can take on individuals, both in terms of the personal risks they face and the backlash they receive from their peers. Bryant's struggles with PTSD and depression following his decision to speak out are highlighted, as well as his difficulties in finding work after being blacklisted by the government.

Overall, "Shooting the Messenger" is a thought-provoking episode that highlights the importance of whistleblowers in holding powerful institutions accountable, while also shedding light on the risks and challenges involved in speaking truth to power.