Wikileaks release of more classified US documents

[30ashopper]

It would be interesting to see if Assange would release such a trove of papers if they were from China or Russio.

We know how Putin deals with people who do journalistic things that he doesn't like. Alexander Litvinenko and others come readily to mind.

I doubt that the Chinese would be as restrained as the Russians have been.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2033771,00.html

If this guy is alive in five years I'd be amazed. He's making an awful lot of very powerful enemies. Of course, we likely won't hear about his death, he'll just disappear.

 

[Bob]

Anyone who can embarrass the powerful as they spin their "truth" is a hero. this guy is doing what none of his critics would dare do. i cannot wait to see his information exposing some major banks wreaking havoc on our country.

 

[Bob]

The fact remains, as you, your editor and evidently many others, seem completely to ignore, that there are events that go on in the military, state department and other branches of government that are none of your or my business. You and your ilk can do nothing but harm with such information. That is why it is "classified". My top secret clearance meant just that. When I was informed that what I was privy to in any instance was top secret, it meant that I was not to disclose it to anyone. What is it about national security so many do not understand? Enough of this discussion. I now understand why some in power do not want to give out information for publication to any media outlet.

tell us some more war stories

 

[scooterbug44]

Banks are one thing, screwing with diplomatic efforts and nuclear security issues in the Middle East are quite another.

Though I must say the 180 degree difference between what we are told and what is the truth in many cases is really (and deservedly) pissing me off. Spin and nuance are okay, outright lies are not.

And while I am upset that Al Queada just got a propaganda windfall, I don't know that Assange is the true villain of this piece. Might it be those who are lying?

Among items I feel we should know and that do not hurt our troops - that Afghanistan is pardoning drug traffickers (real ones - caught with over 300 pounds of drugs) with connections and releasing prisoners without trials - including some we have held at Gitmo.

 

[Alicia Leonard]

Banks are one thing, screwing with diplomatic efforts and nuclear security issues in the Middle East are quite another.

Though I must say the 180 degree difference between what we are told and what is the truth in many cases is really (and deservedly) pissing me off. Spin and nuance are okay, outright lies are not.

And while I am upset that Al Queada just got a propaganda windfall, I don't know that Assange is the true villain of this piece. Might it be those who are lying?

You always hit the nail on the head. Thank you. The only reason I jumped into this thread was to mention the banks and link a Forbes article on it.

But, it does expose a whole bunch of lying going on :shock: and some Flamenco dancing.

 

[Andy A]

My editor is actually against it as per our discussion today, not good to assume or lump in together. Nor did I ever state that I believe it was ok or ethical to endanger American lives. In fact, I stated just the opposite.

I'm sure that the average American as I count myself one of should just go with what the Government tells me, and not the truth. Guess the Tea Party would not be around if they believed in that, in fact nor would our country if people were just going to take their orders from a Government or a king and not be allowed to question.

At what point does transparency kick in? For anyone? Is it only for taxes? I'll admit past the point of state secrets, it's just a crap shoot as far as personal opinion as to what should be transparent or not. I'll take an independent stance then, as long as it's tax payer money, and soldiers lives are not endangered, then it should be transparent. Otherwise, we should just be a country of mushrooms.

Maybe someone of your "ilk" can help me out on that. (I added this because it was a smartie comment back at your smartie comment.)

And while I am on the subject of transparency: I like you Andy, and I respect your service to our country, and your life experience, so, I am really tired of us having a pissy back and forth on anything. Let's be nice to each other, have a civil discussion without being dismissive or a smartie butt to each other. We don't have to be dismissive of each other to get our points across and it demeans us both to do so.

Alica I can be as civil or as nasty as the next guy. That said, you know damn well I respect your abilities. I just don't cotton to the release of ANY information that will put our troops in danger. I was subjected to what can be done to our troops at one time in my life. For those who do not accept that we have military and state secrets and they should remain so, I have no sympathy nor do I recognize the need for full disclosure of any written or said document that affects our national security. I can say it no plainer so this is the last I shall say on the subject. You are right about the demeaning conduct but I will say there are some who only understand or are affected by that kind of response. I am sorry. I do not consider you one of them.

 

[Alicia Leonard]

Alica I can be as civil or as nasty as the next guy. That said, you know damn well I respect your abilities. I just don't cotton to the release of ANY information that will put our troops in danger. I was subjected to what can be done to our troops at one time in my life. For those who do not accept that we have military and state secrets and they should remain so, I have no sympathy nor do I recognize the need for full disclosure of any written or said document that affects our national security. I can say it no plainer so this is the last I shall say on the subject. You are right about the demeaning conduct but I will say there are some who only understand or are affected by that kind of response. I am sorry. I do not consider you one of them.

I agree, and even if I didn't, I'd still hug your neck the next time I saw you Thank you.

 

[walk the walk]

tell us some more war stories

Cute.Do you have any to share?

 

[Bob]

Cute.Do you have any to share?

if i did, i wouldn't

 

[Matt J]

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2033771,00.html

If this guy is alive in five years I'd be amazed. He's making an awful lot of very powerful enemies. Of course, we likely won't hear about his death, he'll just disappear.

I'm sure he's got some other worse stuff up his sleeve to keep himself alive.