WikiLeaks

[Lamplighter]

The soldier who copied and distributed the documents will certainly face a military court.
But once those documents were distributed, there seems to be a consensus developing that
Wikileaks and the news media acted responsibly in the publication of only selected documents,
and little actual damage was done... so far only (justifiable ?) embarrassment.

So, the question may become one of over-reaction.

Good Gossip, and No Harm Done to U.S.
By ALBERT R. HUNT | BLOOMBERG NEWS
Published: December 5, 2010

WikiLeaks is one of those stories where the passions of the moment blind us
to what may eventually be seen as the more important lessons.

To be sure, there are embarrassing revelations in the thousands of cables, often raw files.
Arab governments are urging the United States to strike Iran;
the United States and South Korea are gaming China’s reaction to a collapse of North Korea;
the portraits of heads of state aren’t flattering.

This no doubt will complicate some relations as well as American diplomacy for a while.
Despots probably will go out of their way to distance themselves publicly.
Still, rather than exposing ineptitude, a reading of a fair portion of the documents suggests
that they actually reflect well on U.S. policy and diplomacy.<snip>

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who suggested that while the cables were “awkward” and “embarrassing,”
the consequences for U.S. foreign policy are “fairly modest.”

It is worth considering this when measuring the cries to lynch Mr. Assange.
Mike Huckabee, a Republican presidential hopeful, wants him executed;
others want to lock him up at Guantánamo Bay.
His actions may be offensive;
it’s not clear they’re prosecutable under the almost century-old Espionage Act.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by Lamplighter

But once those documents were distributed, there seems to be a consensus developing that
Wikileaks and the news media acted responsibly in the publication of only selected documents,
and little actual damage was done... so far only (justifiable ?) embarrassment.

I would have to say that is pretty much BS. We know for a fact that he put lives of individuals in harms way with the first release. Just because the news organizations have vetted them and done a better job than he has does not make him less culpable.

[Lamplighter]

@ Merc

We know for a fact that he put lives of individuals in harms way with the first release.

I've not been into reading any of the publically released documents.
Maybe I should, but I've not yet heard such a specific report.
Right now I'm still going on what I've seen on a TV interview with Assange,
and the (Google News) media reports.

During the TV interview, Assange said Wikipedia staff reviewed the documents and
Wikipedia did not distribute any that were above the "Secret" level of security.
Then there is this from the link I gave above:

John Pike of GlobalSecurity.org, a public policy organization focused on national security, says,
“If you can get a credit card, you can get a ‘secret’ clearance.”

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by Lamplighter

@ Merc

During the TV interview, Assange said Wikipedia staff reviewed the documents and
Wikipedia did not distribute any that were above the "Secret" level of security.

I really find that very difficult to believe. Cables from overseas would require special access, not just a Secret clearance.

“If you can get a credit card, you can get a ‘secret’ clearance.”

Well the point is made but it is definitely an overstatement. Not just "anyone" can get one, but if you have a clear past and an explainable but documented record you should be able to get one with minimal problem. You would be surprised at what you need to go above that. For my TS/SCI Compartmentalized my investigation was nearly 18months long before they finished it. Not for any other reason but that is about how long it takes. It is pretty detailed and for a limited time period before you have a recheck.

[Lamplighter]

Yes, I understand...Something a bit more than Sunday Girl's civilian experience:

[tw]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

We know for a fact that he put lives of individuals in harms way with the first release.

But outing a covert CIA agent to promote the massacre of 4500 American soldiers in Iraq is acceptable? It is rather amazing the double standard.

First these same people outted Valerie Plame. Then they so subvert security that any kid with only a high school education has access to all "secrets". Then they accuse Assange of treason when Assange is neither an American nor did he do anything to compromise American security. When do we discuss they who most subverted American security and innovation instead attack Assange.

Ironic. Same people who intentionally lied to blame Saddam for 11 September, had White House lawyers rewriting science papers, subvert the American space program, created a near destruction of the American economy (including welfare to the rich), did all but protect bin Laden, tried to get America into a hot war with China over a silly spy plane, all but surrendered in Afghanistan, undermined the Oslo Accords, and kidnapped people into secret prisons all over the world. But somehow Assange is as evil as Saddam for simply redacting and reporting what was made into public information.

Amazing the hate of Assange. And so little anger at the Army Private or the people who all but enable that Private to breach security.

Worst harm is that we and everyone else in the world now have to deal with so many people so scummy as to be 'insulted'. Who could not accept honest assessments. A little blunt honesty demonstrates to the world that Americans have been dealing with them honestly. Once we eliminate (or forget) the emotional tirade, eventually a new world order will either accept that honesty or entrench those who fear honesty.

Most of this is only hyped because it embarrasses the liars. And embarrasses the honest people for being honest. Embarrassment is another example of silly emotions - adults acting as children. Meanwhile, the most important fact is this. In the last decade, the Chinese have probably stolen all plans for America's nuclear arsenal because those who even had lawyers rewriting science also subverted American security.

Where security should have existed, why are we not calling for their public execution? Because that is too logical - not based in hate and hype promoted by those most responsible for this breach. And who are now attack Assange so that we will not blame the real anti-Americans.

Those same people may also be the reason why the Chinese have plans for all of our nuclear weapons. And so they use Limbaugh and Joseph McCarthy logic. Attack and accuse others. We have major security problems because those whose purpose is only a political agenda have so screwed so many American institutions and systems - including national security.