iCitizenForum

The Feds are saying Julian Assange could be charged with the Espionage Act. But that act is so loosely written that just about anyone could be charged under it for criminal activity.

It's an interesting story to follow.

In answer to your questions, Yes, it matters whether the material was illegally obtained and Yes, our security is threatened by the leaking of classified information. Governments must be able to engage in discussion (both internally and with other governments) in a confidential manner. Publishing details of discussion and negotiations that the negotiators have labeled as classified, whether someone feels that the classification is valid or not, must be punishable.

Governments of the United States have so often hidden wrong doing or failures or foul-ups behind claims of national security that it is hard any more to take such assertions seriously. Moreover, citizens have a predominating claim on the right to know what their officials are saying and doing in their names. It may be that there is in the documents yet to be posted some material the disclosure of which may prove dangerous. But so far, the administration seems to be crying wolf.

I hate WikiLeaks' action, but it doesn't appear that the documents were obtained through criminal means. If that turns out to be true, I don't see how the U.S. can keep someone from publishing. It's more an embarrassment for the U.S. than anything else.