Several years ago, I heard Sherron Watkins (former Enron employee) tell her story. I recently reached out to her for validation of facts and to learn more about how other employees corroborated her findings. Several things were apparent as I read the story. Here are a few:
In 2001 - while email was available, it was not as prevalent as today (and text messaging/mini computers on your cell phone were just a gleam in some electronic genius' eye). She canvassed some of her colleagues on the questionable off balance sheet structures. Nervous fellow employees left xerox's on her desk, left phone calls (no voice mail messages) or met w/her face-to-face. Also, the Yahoo Finance Message Board, as early as April 12, 12001, said "The Enron executives have been operating an elaborate con scheme that has fooled even the most sophisticated analysts........Class action lawsuits will complete the demises of ENE." In 2001, there were fewer people reading data on the web - - today - - you are truly disconnected if you do not read it on the web.
Fast forward to 2010 (just 9 years later), Today when someone sees, witnesses or hears something that is questionable, in an instant it can become viral, heard 'round the world and cause confusion and panic. If the information/actions are correct - - then it needs to be dealt with (as in the case of Enron) - - but there have been (and will continue to be) instances when the information is not correct. The damages can be long-term - - but, ultimately, more and more, the truth is finally being told by someone - - on a website, on twitter, on FB, LinkedIn, MySpace or YouTube.
When it is good news, it can change lives forever. Look at Susan Boyle, the lead singer for Journey (Arnel Pineda), and Charice Pempengco.
There is a growing wave of reality - - a result of accessibility to information/photos on the internet. The future is exciting, uncharted - - and, from my point of view, truth will prevail.
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