Abu Gonzales™ is threatening journalists from the NY Times, trying for the double-play of intimidating both the press and those in the government who leak info to them.
Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales raised the possibility yesterday that New York Times journalists could be prosecuted for publishing classified information based on the outcome of the criminal investigation underway into leaks to the Times of data about the National Security Agency's surveillance of terrorist-related calls between the United States and abroad.
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Yesterday, Gonzales said, "I understand very much the role that the press plays in our society, the protection under the First Amendment we want to promote and respect . . . but it can't be the case that that right trumps over the right that Americans would like to see, the ability of the federal government to go after criminal activity."
I guess that Daniel Ellsberg might be tried waaaay after the fact, after all he made the mistake of going to the press with the Pentagon Papers, and look how happy the Chicken-fucking-hawks are with what that resulted in.
My guess? The real reason that the 1600 Crew wants to arrest and try journalists is to save themselves any embarrassing moments, and I am sure that there are a lot of them. After all, we know that they don't give a rat's-ass about "National Security", unless it's as a campaign issue.
I doubt that unless they do the trials in secret, any journalist would be convicted...this is purely a measure designed to intimidate the press and the whistleblowers. Again, history will judge these motherfuckers for what they are: con men and low-lifes.
posted by Jo Fish on 05.22.06 at 10:51 PM
Comments:
Inasmuch as it is a crime to use the government classification process to conceal evidence of a crime, I challenge the government and its supporters to come up with a single example of U.S. media using classified info to publish a story about something that was legal -- and in which the publication actually did substantive harm to national security.
Y'all go on. I'll wait.
posted by: Lex on 05.23.06 at 06:22 AM [permalink]
OK, kiddies, time to whip out your copy the the UC Constitution again. Read the First Admendment. Read it again. Now read the Fouth Admendment. The Fifth, the Sixth, Eighth, and Ninth. I didn't see the vague... "right that Americans would like to see, the ability of the federal government to go after criminal activity." But of course I want them to catch criminals. I just expect them to do so in a way that would make me proud to be an American, and not to be taking lessons from the German Secret State Police (GeStaPo). Bush was warned by intelligence about 9/11 through the 6 Aug 01 PDB, and there was the 10 Sep 01 intercept which was left untranslated until 12 Sep 01. (He was also warned in advance about Hurricane Katrina.) He and his government have proven incompetent and willing to abuse power for political gain. Let's force him to uphold the whole constitution (not just the Second Admendment). Impeach the jerk now!!!
