Comments on: Leaks, Whistleblowers, and Media Shield Laws

By: McGehee

McGehee — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 01:24:08 +0000

For more debate fodder, try considering the release of the Pentagon Papersâ¦ despite being highly classified, the govât interdiction of its publication was bounced by the Supreme Court (as prior restraint).

Since no one is alleging prior restraint in any of the more recent controversies, I wouldn't consider that pertinent. Besides, if anything the Pentagon Papers outcome suggests that the mere fact something is classified doesn't necessarily mean it has any true bearing on national security. Now, as I recall, a lot of the attacks on Rove, Libby, Cheney, et al over the Plame "leak," are based on the fact Plame's CIA employment was... classified...

By: legion

legion — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 22:18:58 +0000

I believe the key in this debate is the nature of the actions being publicized. To be specific, is the leaker leaking information about something illegal, immoral, or dangerous - i.e., 'blowing a whistle'? Or are they simply trying to gain public support or knowledge of something that doesn't technically concern the public? I think it's pretty clear that the Plame leak (regardless of the actual damage done) falls into the latter category. Does the NSA tapping fall into the former? IANAL, but it certainly has raised a lot of questions. For more debate fodder, try considering the release of the Pentagon Papers... despite being highly classified, the gov't interdiction of its publication was bounced by the Supreme Court (as prior restraint). How do you suppose that relates to our current affairs?

By: RA

RA — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 19:57:29 +0000

If these are "whistle blowers" they are blowing their whistles for our enemies.

The reporters are not out of the woods yet. If they knew these documents were classified they could be procecuted for treason. Willfully aiding our enemies is subversive. They should go to jail also.

By: slickdpdx

slickdpdx — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 19:37:53 +0000

Nice analysis.

By: Herb

Herb — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 17:59:46 +0000

I think by now, that most everyone knows that the NYT is a self serving leftist organization that would sacrifice national secrets and national securty for the furtherance of its own greedy and unpatriotic policys. Their article today advocating the breeching of classified materials to promote their selfich desire to make a quick buck and promote a book demonstrates their desire to undermine the foundations of our country.

I ask the NYT directly, Who appointed you as the Supreme Court of what is right or wrong, or legal or Illegal?

While I think there is a need for "freedom of the press" the NYT disclosure of classified securty information is cause for thier prosecution as trators for aiding and abeting our enemies. There is no excuse for their lowest of regard for the securty and safety of the American people.

I know there will be those amoung us today who will defend the NYT with as little regard to our securty as the NYT has demonstrated. And, to those who defend them, let them be directly affected by those who would destroy our American way of life.