Say Anything Blog

I’m not sure that leaking details about an anti-terror program to the American press meets the definitions for treason.  But certainly it was an illegal leak, and the perpetrator (though not the journalists as you point out) should be punished.

Though, if it takes putting a reporter or two in jail until they ‘fess up on their sources I’m all in favor of that.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

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Though, if it takes putting a reporter or two in jail until they ‘fess up on their sources I’m all in favor of that.

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No. This type of behavior inhibits a reporters ability to do their job and inform the public. When we inhibit the publics ability to be informed, we are inhibiting democracy because for democracy to function, the people must be informed. For example, it doesn’t matter if everyone in the country supports going to Iraq if the case is made entirely with lies. That is a failure of democracy.

This type of behavior inhibits a reporters ability to do their job and inform the public. When we inhibit the publics ability to be informed, we are inhibiting democracy because for democracy to function, the people must be informed.

We don’t elect reporters to make decisions about what sort of national security information should and should not be made public. 

It’s just not their responsibility.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

Rob...What does the Constitution provide for treason?

That’s why the issue is with the leakers. I just disagree that reporters should be thrown in jail. they are doing their job, namely, reporting.

For the second time in 24 hours I will tell you what the constitution says about treason, because apparently you love to throw the word around.

Article 3, Section 3 of the Constitution defines treason.

Section 3: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

So first, other than the reporter, it is doubtful that a second witness to the act could be found.  Secondly, it would be quite a legal stretch to equate leaking classified material to the American press with colluding with the enemy.  Granted, through the most elementary of intelligence means (like reading the paper), the enemy has gained that classified knowledge, but it was not with direct communication or collusion. 

Simply put, once again, the charge of treason has absolutely no bearing in this conversation whatsoever.

I just disagree that reporters should be thrown in jail. they are doing their job, namely, reporting.

I only think we should throw them in jail if they refuse to cooperate with court orders and subpoenas requiring them to identify their sources.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

I only think we should throw them in jail if they refuse to cooperate with court orders and subpoenas requiring them to identify their sources.

I totally agree.  And, typically, anyone who refuses to cooperate with court orders and subpoenas is thrown in jail.  Even reporters.  The problem here is the sometimes questionable nature of those court orders and subpoenas.  More often than not, however, they are indeed warranted.  Also more often than not, those reporters are willing to go to jail to protect their sources.  That’s part of the ideology they follow when making the decision to become a reporter in the first place.

They can print the story.  That’s freedom of the press.  Their protection does not extend to the leaker.  Reporters have no right to cover up a crime.  If they do they should sit in jail until.....

What’s going to happen to US industry when the global warming extremists like John McCain double the price of electricity?  I would think all these factories will close and set up in countries where they aren’t scared of technology.

Wiki:

Therefore the United States Code at 18 U.S.C. § 2381 states “whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.”

In my opinion the leaker of the program likely committed treason, although I now realize that it would be tough to prove.  I’m sure there’s easier laws to prosecute the leaker that should be used.

What’s going to happen to US industry when the global warming extremists like John McCain double the price of electricity?  I would think all these factories will close and set up in countries where they aren’t scared of technology.

Reporters are NOT outside the law. Yes, they have a journalistic responsibility, but becoming employed by the media does not exempt them from the law. It should be a tightrope act to distinguish responsible journalism from ethical or legal violations. Instead of a tightrope it’s become a trampoline with reporters bouncing all over and disregarding any boundaries.

Election ‘08 - We Are So Screwed

And, yes, whoever leaked this should be found and prosecuted. I don’t understand why the Justice Department isn’t doing just that.

Election ‘08 - We Are So Screwed