The controersy regarding illegal documents is very tacky. On one hand, there is the first amendment which states freedom of speech and press. On the other hand, releasing of sensitive documents could result in an uproar revolts. The choice is between what is ethical and what is right?
Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks, is being brought to question after his release of many key documents; however, he and his colleagues believe it is for the safety of the people. An article from the Wall Street Journal entitled "Can the U.S. Bring Assange to Justice?" discusses this dilemma in greater detail.
In the article it was said that the United States law states that it's a crime to disclose secret information "relating to national defense." It was also said that no news outlet has ever been punished for publishing secrets. Since this is the case, how can the United States possibly try and win this case? Due to the first amendment, it makes matters even worse. Freedom of the press nearly gives all rights to newspapers to publish whatever they feel is right to publish. With this impossible task in mind, the United States needs to try and convince the court that it is in the right of the public that they keep secrets to themselves. If insane ideas got out to the public, then it might cause political instability and throw the country out of spin.
To be in tune with Assange, his main focus is the people. During TED talk, Assage stated that the safety of the civilians was very important. There is nothing worse than a corrupt government making decisions that benefit only them and not the people of the country. Assange is sacrificing his own personal identity and integrity to release documents, and that is very courageous. Whatever he is releasing must be an important document because he putting himself on the line. The same was the case with Manning and Snowden, but does this incredible courage describe them as martyrs?
I believe that the Unites States government should be the winners of this brawl. The article said that the government created their law for privacy and they should be given that. I feel the government is like a person, and every person has the right to privacy that concerns them. Until the releases of the documents are severe enough to cause damage to individuals of the United States, the government should be able to keep the documents they own private to themselves. This way no one will be harmed, and the stability of the country will remain in tact.
I completely agree with your opinion about how the secrets of our government should remain secrets. The information doesn't serve any great purpose with the general public, but can be harmful to our country. It's similar to gossip where it may hurt someone;however, no one gains anything from it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there are definitely multiple angles in which we need to look at the situation.
ReplyDeleteI do have to respectfully disagree with what side to take though. I think that the government shouldn't be considered a person since they are a group which has a certain amount of control over everyone's lives.
While I do agree with your opinion on Assange, I feel that the US government will have a tough time bringing the 3 to justice, but only time will tell. Well written blog post too.
ReplyDeleteWell i agree with most of your comments, Nick, I don't it right for people to hide secrets, not just from the people they say they are representing, but also to other country. What Assange and the others are doing is courageous and are doing a service to public knowledge and well-being
ReplyDeleteYes, the first amendment is pretty huge, but so is the fifth. The government has the right to keep special documents private. What do you think we should do with Assange? Jail or set him free?
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statments but the government isn't just one person. They are made up of a bunch of people and not all people are good. And if they do, do bad things that affects other people; they should be the ones to know how it started, and the reasoning behind it all. People do bad things and sometimes they are punished by the death penalty/jail time. What should we do to the government when it does something bad?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the some of your statements but you can't just treat the government as just one person. Because they have control over so many people's lives; they don't have the right to keep secrets unless the secrets will harm the citizens.
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