As a counterpoint, here's what I expect Sterling and The Intercept might argue: Sterling unsuccessfully raised several concerns, including criticisms of Merlin

As a counterpoint, here's what I expect Sterling and The Intercept might argue: Sterling unsuccessfully raised several concerns, including criticisms of Merlin, internally with the CIA and the Senate Intelligence Committee. Getting no results, he turned to external whistleblowing through a Pulitzer-winning reporter. This is in keeping with Thomas Drake's behavior - after being punished for attempting to use internal whistleblowing, he went outside the government and was given a minimal suspended sentence akin to what Sterling might have expected.