Wikileaks Controversy

After reading Jeffrey’s blog, I find myself reflecting on a couple of different points regarding the WikiLeaks issue.  First, I do not believe that the founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, has committed a terrorist crime by posting this information online.  However, I do not agree with Mr. Assange’s actions.  For example, I strongly believe that the leaked information endangers our security.  Yet, with this act—as reckless as it may be—Mr. Assange has avoided breaking the law.  In fact, he is protected under the First Amendment’s freedom of the press clause. If our government starts telling the press what can and cannot be printed—or worse yet—arresting journalists for acts of terrorism--the First Amendment, a shining American liberty, becomes null and void.

On the other hand, I do know of legal ways to hold Mr. Assange accountable for his actions.  For example, the people of the United States and other press outlets could simply boycott this website and any other business holdings Mr. Assange may have.  Additionally, to mitigate the risks to our national security, other media outlets may choose to avoid widely distributing this information. 

My final thoughts regarding this issue center on the person who did violate the law in obtaining this information, Army Private Bradley Manning.  As the article, Truth Consequences details, Mr. Manning is currently being held on charges related to this offense, and I support his prosecution 100%.  While Mr. Assange’s actions may be corrupt, they did not violate the law, while Mr. Manning’s clearly did.  He stole classified U.S. information, disclosed it, and disregarded his duty as a member of the military to safeguard the American people.