During this period at the Department of Education, my working relationship with Judge Thomas was positive.

The experience of testifying and the aftermath have changed my life

Testifying has helped me understand that one individual's behavior and actions make a difference. That my actions are important to people other than myself

I was aware, however, that telling at any point in my career could adversely affect my future career

Certainly my life will not ever be as private and discreet, and perhaps I should even use the word insulated, as it was before

The real problem is that the way that power is given out in our society pits us against each other.

I became the messenger who had to be killed