Diebold Whistleblower Fired; His Wife Speaks Out

[JamBoi]

http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/3/31/193414/510

Diebold Whistleblower Fired; His Wife Speaks Out
by 6 Things On My Mind
Fri Mar 31, 2006 at 05:34:14 PM PDT

Hello Kossacks. I've written about Stephen Heller, the Diebold whistleblower, here. Now his wife has written about her thoughts regarding her husband and the situation they find themselves in. Since she doesn't have a kos account, I am posting this on her behalf.

Please visit the Stephen Heller Defense Fund website.

Married to Citizen Steve

By Michele Gregory

I've been in love with my husband since I first laid eyes on him - I still remember the exact moment we met. He's a good man. The kind of man who takes off his gloves on a frozen Chicago winter day and gives them to someone huddled in a doorway. The kind of man who makes his wife a birthday cake every year. He's the guy you can trust to do what is right. He's your loyal friend to the end. Hell, he's even kind to animals and children.

We've held each other's hands through good times and bad, helped each other through losses of loved ones, career setbacks and personal disappointments. So when the police came to our door a year and a half ago, we did what we do best: stood by each other. (Technically, we sat down on the sofa, but you get the idea.) It's a completely surreal experience to be guarded by men in bullet proof vests while they search your home. They confiscated cell phones, computers, address books . . . and, come to think of it, I haven't seen my favorite shoes since that day either . . . hmmm . . .

My first thought was that there was some mistake and that this was just one of those odd things that no one will believe actually happened to you. Then I realized they had my computer with all the scripts I'd written for my theatre company. If the DA puts on a talent show - they better not use any of my material!

Steve lost his job and it was difficult for me to be the sole breadwinner. Thankfully, we don't have expensive tastes and are used to making do. 18 months passed and nothing happened. We both got new jobs and were getting back on top of our finances. Steve actually even liked his new job. Really, truly liked it. Then, wham - he was indicted on 3 felony counts. Then on March 23, Steve lost his new job. Someone sent the March 18, 2006 L.A. Times article to his employer. He was called into HR and let go. We knew it was a possibility, but so is being struck by lightning . . . you just stay away from golf courses in the rain and try not to worry about it.

>snip<

[Michael Collins]

Hung jury...ok, we'll take that. This guy is a hero in my books.

Great post JamBoi.