The new Wikileaks kerfuffle

[Sagacious-T]

Holy fuck

Assange is the goddamn shadow broker

[Sensei Phoenix]

Wikileaks is one of the best examples we have to debate the merits of information secrecy vs. information freedom. That being said, if peoples' lives were put in danger due to leaked documents, and some people did actually die due to the information, would it be worth it? Many people in this country place the 1st amendment on a pedestal, and many have said they'd die for it.

[MeshGearFox]

1. I think it's a bad idea to release private information of national security importance.

2. I think releasing damning information on banks/pharmaceutical companies/oil barons is a WONDERFUL idea that needs to be done more often.

Wikileaks does both, so I'm sort of conflicted.

I do like that Assange is sort of a cyber-Batman, though.

[Rapturous]

I don't think it's that simple, Damian.  Short-term, some folks might be at risk, but it's tough medicine.  The world is growing increasingly run by corporations and big government.  This is the little guy's chance to exercise his power in countries like America where we can actually have a real impact.  I'm a full supporter of Wikileaks.  Information is power.

[Sagacious-T]

Wikileaks censors private information of all documents before publishing them.
There is not one documented case of someone being killed or harmed directly due to wikileaks.
Secretary of Defense R. Gates has gone on record saying that wikileaks' actions have not resulted in physical threat or harm to anyone working for or with the United States Government.

[MeshGearFox]

Actually I usually support what they do but seriously some of these particular recent leaks are either silly or stuff that has no reason to be leaked, as it's... revealing more personal opinions of diplomats and not actually CORRUPTION. Granted some of the stuff getting revealed IS really... questionable (Saudi Arabia calling for attacks on Iran, for instance), but still, international diplomacy is something you REALLY want to tread lightly with.

[Dice]

Woowie.  This can either cause a big mess or a lot of change - maybe being a bit more careful in the future of whatever you run your mouth about too.

Then again, I hope this doesn't stop politicians from hitting "the tougher topics" at fear of leaked and publicized opinions and debates.  I think the big concern is anyone getting screwed or hurt or feeling betrayed from the private affairs.  C'est la vie?

It's been hard to get into the site otherwise.  Always jamming.

[Lard]

Actually I usually support what they do but seriously some of these particular recent leaks are either silly or stuff that has no reason to be leaked, as it's... revealing more personal opinions of diplomats and not actually CORRUPTION.  

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/01/wikileaks-cables-cluster-bombs-britain

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/30/wikileaks-us-spain-guantanamo-rendition

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/01/wikileaks-cables-russia-mafia-kleptocracy

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/01/wikileaks-cables-russia-georgian-separatists

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/01/wikileaks-cables-alexander-litvinenko-murder

And last, but not least

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/12/01/wikileaks-cbc.html


More than just diplomatic stuff.

[Kevadu]

Some sanity.

Very good article.  Points out a lot of the outright factual errors that the media is making in the case.  Anyone commenting on this incident should read the above.

A bit more biased, naturally, but it's also worth reading Assange's own thoughts.

[Lard]

http://www.boingboing.net/2010/12/07/us-to-host-world-pre.html

U.S. to host "World Press Freedom Day"

[Rapturous]

The more I learn about this, the more I like Assange and Wikileaks.  He's a hero, really.  Civilian deaths covered up is unforgivable, on top of the hundreds of other atrocities covered up by the government and outright ignored by the mainstream media.  Wikileaks is doing what commercialized media can't do:  report the whole truth.

[Lazlowe1984]

http://www.boingboing.net/2010/12/07/us-to-host-world-pre.html

U.S. to host "World Press Freedom Day"

lol.That is all