The Brockovich Report

Today I watched the hope and dreams of America come to life again. I am referring to the inauguration. How much it means. The words spoken and how they apply to the work I do.

Like most Americans and much of the world, I was glued to the TV; chills coursing up and down my spine, I watched my own young daughter as she watched the historic moment in history. I saw and shared the sense of pride and inspiration at the commencement of a new era.

I was spellbound by the inauguratory address of the forty-fourth president of the United States, and entranced as well by the enthusiasm of the diverse crowd as our President Barack Obama was sworn to office.

We are about to roll up our sleeves and get down to hard business of the price and the promise of citizenship.

I heard the words of our new president about where we could go. He promises to deliver better schools, renewed science, improved and more economical health care, solar and green energy. He promises that government will "spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do business in the light of day."

I hope Industry is listening to that message.

Especially, I hope Industry was listening when our president said "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history."

Those words ring true for me because of the line of work that I am in. I face the silencing of dissent all the time. The corruption and the deceit perpetuated by industry. Deceit is the root cause of so many of our problems. Deceit robs us of information. Deceit robs us of choice. Deceit eats away at our freedom. Deceit undermines our value system and our intrinsic worth as human beings. For what is the value of a deceitful man?

So how do we stop the deceit? How do we educate those whose reckless pursuit of profit cheats us out of our money, our homes, our health, our lives?

One truth at a time. One step at a time.

I am inspired to continue in my avocation, shining the light on deceit.

I am inspired to continue working toward sharing awareness. Most of the cases I deal with begin with revealing deceit--in seeing that the light of day is shined on those dark secrets--just as it was in Hinkley, California and perhaps now in Kingston Tennessee. When these malevolent and unhealthy secrets are uncovered, then changes can be made. Once the truth is known, the problem no longer festers and escalates; no, that is when healing and remediation begins, Sometimes it means we do have to roll up our sleeves and pitch in to get it all cleaned up--but we will clean it up. And perhaps like our president promises, we “will not falter. Perhaps with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, you and I too will carry forth a gift--one of a clean and healthy country--safely to future generations."