The object lesson of another RBOC's CEO, Joseph Nacchio, gives me a lot more sympathy for AT&T and company. Was it wise to fight this way back then if the cost was a Federal felony conviction and prison?
Now things have changed, and it's starting to be appropriate to pressure AT&T and company to Do The Right Thing.
I think the stakes of speaking out have been raised. Five, six years ago you risked felony and prison. Today, you risk being labeled an enemy combatant, or even worse, a traitor to the nation (facing execution). The US government has sent a very clear message - if you have direct knowledge of the way the surveillance is being expanded, and speak out, you're a traitor to the country.
In my opinion THAT'S what the general public needs to recognize. The stakes for whistleblowers have been raised to the absolute limit.
Now things have changed, and it's starting to be appropriate to pressure AT&T and company to Do The Right Thing.