lets discuss Wikileak

I think there is a bit of short-selling the craftiness of governments here. They are fully capable of using this "tool" to their advantage to post false leaks; just as they have used double agents, propaganda, and disinformation all too well in the past.

Well things are gunna get even more fun over there now!

The T wrote: Revealing information about abuse from the part of soldiers is something I agree with. Disclosing military tactics is something I don't. It's just "freedom of information" for its own sake... Sometimes there's a greater good that has to be considered...

Well I'd say the war is screwed now, and more so given that our allies were working against us
LOL apparently people in the gvmt knew that already so I dont care about threatening the war effort per se.
But, if you were referring to the names and positions, etc (like Henry mentioned) than that I do have a problem. Exposing a lot of innocent people, just doing their job or helping.
Yeah, abuse is great to get out and expose, but this guy could've at least left out/blocked names and info that was unnecessary.

And its a sticky wicket. On one had I am for free information, but civilian casualties? Friendly fire? General disorder? Isn't this just the case with war? The Pakistani news was big, but yeah, talk is that we knew about that already! Besides the fact its out there for everyone not much actually "good" will come from this.

And how should I know Henry? These hackers are crazy, I can barely handle my mp3 player programs! They'll find some way. Or someone on the inside has to do it I guess. Just an example I threw out as the most oppressive country.


Edited by JJLehto - July 29 2010 at 12:15

At first I didn't really care, but I read today that the documents had the names of Afganis who provided information to the US. If that's true (and I am not going to read them myself to verify), that's a major dick move. Maybe Julian Assange would like to take them into his house? And I don't see the truth benefit of disclosing US military tactics

There is some hope that an increase in incidents like this may actually reduce the amount of wars and killing that occur in the first place. If all your dirty little details of various operations are going to end up on the internet, perhaps it's best not to perform them in the first place.

Equality 7-2521 wrote: Trademark wrote: "So you don't find Auschwitz soldiers morally culpable for any atrocities committed there?" The person who gave the order is morally culpable, the person who carried it out in a military action is not.  Check the outcomes of the Neuremburg trials for confirmation of this fact of military justice. "In fact, you would think they deserved death for disobeying orders?" There is a remarkably huge difference between disobeying an order and espionage.  Check the Uniform Code of Military Justice for the possible punishments for these extremely different offenses. As a moral justification you offer the outcome of a trial and a code of conduct written by the military. That is so thoroughly convincing.  I'm not disputing that what he did was unlawful, but that does not make it wrong. Then again if you're not willing to place any culpability on the hands of soldiers I'm done talking to you.

"So you don't find Auschwitz soldiers morally culpable for any atrocities committed there?"

The person who gave the order is morally culpable, the person who carried it out in a military action is not.  Check the outcomes of the Neuremburg trials for confirmation of this fact of military justice.

"In fact, you would think they deserved death for disobeying orders?"

There is a remarkably huge difference between disobeying an order and espionage.  Check the Uniform Code of Military Justice for the possible punishments for these extremely different offenses.


Edited by Trademark - July 27 2010 at 17:26

The T wrote: For soldiers, yes. Soldiers have to follow orders and shut the f**k up or people get killed. The rest of society, no.  I support a site like wikileaks and I'm in favor of disclosing the truth. But this idiot who put lives in danger shouldn't be made into some kind of hero now.

It is a sticky wicket, though some could argue he'll be some type of martyr, for the name of free information.
Besides, how do these leaks happen? Magic? Someone has to do it

I know nothing of military going ons, if this guy is convicted any idea what the penalty is for it?


Edited by JJLehto - July 27 2010 at 17:18

Edited by The T - July 27 2010 at 14:37

"Poor kid, he can legally be assassinated now."

Sign me up for the firing squad.  If he finds himself that much at odds with the military he should get out when his hitch ends and run for office.  He knew the job when he signed on and knew the possible consequences of his actions when he chose to put fellow American citizens and soldiers at risk.  If you want play at being a spy be prepared for the outcome.

Time for a "Code Red".


Edited by Trademark - July 27 2010 at 12:08