“Speaking Truth to Power: Withering Away of our Constitutional Republic? – The National Security State, Surveillance, Privacy and You” Thomas Drake at Burning Books, April 27 at 7 PM: https://www.facebook.com/events/1835273520129842/

Thomas Drake is a former senior executive at the National Security Agency where he blew the whistle on massive multi-billion dollar fraud, waste and the widespread violations of the rights of citizens through secret mass surveillance programs after 9/11. As retaliation and reprisal, the Obama Administration indicted Drake in 2010 as the first whistleblower since Daniel Ellsberg charged with espionage. Drake faced 35 years in prison, turning him into an Enemy of the State for his oath to support and defend the Constitution. In 2011, the government’s case against him collapsed and he went free in a plea deal. He is the recipient of the 2011 Ridenhour Truth Telling Prize, and a joint recipient with Jesselyn Radack of the 2011 Sam Adams Associates Integrity in Intelligence Award and the 2012 Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award. He is now dedicated to the defense of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He is featured in the Silenced documentary as well as the PBS Frontline special, The United States of Secrets.