Whistleblower Turns To YouTube

Alleges Serious Security Flaws In Lockheed Martin's Government Work

(CBS)  In a crudely produced 10-minute video, engineer and former Lockheed Martin project manager Michael DeKort charges there were serious flaws in some work done by Lockheed to upgrade security on Coast Guard vessels.

He calls it a waste of tax dollars that jeopardizes the safety of Americans.

As CBS News correspondent Sharyl Attkisson reported on The Early Show Wednesday, it isn't all that unusual for whistleblowers to find it tough to get noticed.

What is unusual, she says, is how DeKort is getting his message out.

He went through his company's chain of command. He called the Navy. He even went to Congress. But he says things seemed stalled until he videotaped his allegations and posted them on the popular Web site, YouTube.

"What I am going to tell you is going to seem preposterous," DeKort begins on the video.

Among other things, he alleges there are critical blind spots in some Coast Guard ships' security cameras, and gaps that could enable spies to listen in on classified communications with agencies such as the FBI.

"It may be very hard for you to believe our government and the largest defense contractor in the world is capable of such alarming incompetence," DeKort says on his video.

YouTube isn't exactly known for its serious side, Attkisson says. Hundreds of thousands of people visit daily to post or watch offbeat home movies and entertaining videos.

DeKort may be the first to use YouTube as a whistleblowing tool in a government contracting case, she adds.

He explained, "I thought, well, 'Maybe if I create a video, put it on YouTube, the fact that somebody is willing to do that and they're willing to challenge Lockheed Martin and the Coast Guard in doing so, maybe that will draw some attention.' "

DeKort says he didn't really expect much to come of it. But, someone from the Navy Times saw his video, wrote about it, and now his story has gotten more public attention in just a few weeks than in all the months he spent rattling the cage through traditional means.

As for the allegations, the Homeland Security inspector general is investigating. The Coast Guard says it's already "taken the appropriate level of action with respect to each of (DeKort's) stated issues." And Lockheed Martin says the claims are without merit and don't pose safety or security issues.

Whether or not DeKort's unconventional video ends up getting results, Attkisson concludes, his method of delivery is definitely getting attention.

[tomflint69]

Youtube should be immediately banned by the government. Although, they erase videos which may raise conflicts, but a lot of people not only see such videos but they also post their own abusive content. Youtube has been a source of confusions among public. We wouldnt cry if you close it.

[jojo252525-2009]

Of course he was fired from Lockheed Martin. However, they trotted out the tired excuse of, "financial reasons". It is the timing that really stands out. Immediately after he posted the video on YouTube is when Lockheed Martin laid him off. Coincidence? I think not.
I know we live in a litiguous society and I wouldn't want to condone such behavior, but I would think he has a valid case against Lockheed Martin. They would fluster for a while and probably settle out of court and not learn their lesson, but it would be some money that helps pay the rent.
It goes without saying that I am very much behind Michael and I doubt if I would have had the balls to do the same thing he did. I don't use the word, "Hero" very often, but I would make an exception in this case.
Lockheed Martin should be fined by the government for this serious breach of ethics. It is tired and old, and I know all corporations do these things but little by little these cases make a difference - as long as the perpetrators are caught nd punished. It doesn't help that the Coast Guard is not only accepting these flawed boats, but also refusing to investigate the claims made by Michael DeKort.

[gramto7]

Why should you tube have to be closed? Because it is being used to tell the truth? That makes no sense whatsoever. I have to agree with jojo, in that we need a place to go when the "chain-of-command" doesn't get the corrections done that are necessary. Sometimes going public is the only way to get the attention of hard-headed bosses. One thing is for sure - if you try to get their attention with a 2x4, you will definitely be in trouble and nothing will be done to fix the problem either.

[tomflint69]

You tube may be closed because it is meant for providing entertainment to public, according to its terms of service. It is not designed witht he intension of providing videos related to political and social conflicts.
We would not like it to be used by news papers and media for making news.