Headline of the Day Poll
Should news organizations who publish classified information be prosecuted?
No, they are protected by the First Amendment.
Yes, they are committing a crime.
Not sure.
Read more: http://www.headlineoftheday.com/
Yes, they should be prosecuted for treason. Today’s headlines might allow the enemy access to sensitive information which could lead to the death of agents, the planning of murderous attacks, etc. It’s about time the news outlets showed a little gratitude to the country which allowed them to exist and prosper by keeping their secrets, even if the providers of same could not.
That depends on whether we trust our own government, politicians, bureaucrats, spooks.
Does anybody here trust them? After the revelations of the last elections showing what an incredible corrupt swamp washington is, don’t we need more not less whistle blowers?
Releasing secrets that truly harm the country, should be punished. Releasing secrets that show the corruption and lies of politicians and bureaucrats should be rewarded, regardless of party.
If a Christian-owned bakery can be prosecuted for NOT BAKING A SODOMY CAKE, - YES, these news whores should DEFINITELY be prosecuted.
The guilty party is the leaker, who was legally bound to secure the information.
Subsequent propagators and consumers of the information are blameless.
No we shouldn’t punish the news. However leakers should get the death penalty.
No, but Powell and Armatage should be in jail.
If someone knowingly publishes classified information, they are intentionally doing something that could harm the Country. in that case I believe that person should be subject to prosecution.
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Yes.
I have mixed feelings on the subject.
Do I think that the Intercept should be prosecuted for publishing “Reality Winner”’s leak? Yes. The leak did nothing to expose any wrongdoing by the government and was largely nothing but politically-motivated espionage.
But suppose somebody came out with a leak that exposed how the CIA actually attempted to manipulate the 2016 election and tried to pin it on Russia? (the capability exists — see the Vault 7 leaks published on Wikileaks)
Suppose that we found out that the CIA and NSA intentionally did not let software / networking manufacturers know about vulnerabilities so they could then exploit those vulnerabilities on Americans’ systems? (Again, Vault 7)
Suppose that we found about about massive collection efforts that captured every piece of Internet traffic whether or not it was related to an ongoing foreign intelligence effort? (Snowden)
And so on.
I think we have a need to know when our civil rights are systematically breached by the government that is supposed to work for us. We’ve seen that we can’t trust the executive branch to self-police and we’ve seen that the idea of “Congressional Oversight” is a joke (as they are likely either compromised or actually in on the gag as well).
So like I said, my feelings are mixed on the subject.
Publishing classified data is a felony. Prosecute.
The standard for proper classification is in the Constitution: "establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty".
Any other reason for classification, such as Columbia college transcripts, applications, and documents do not fall under these categories and are null and void and should not be prosecuted.
Like asking if someone who knowingly receives stolen property should be charged....the only sane answer is “Yes!”
No! Publishing the truth, however harmful, should never be a crime.
Should news organizations who publish classified information be prosecuted?
Yes, they are committing a crime. (54%)
No, they are protected by the First Amendment. (42%)
Not sure. (4%)
Well, look at it this way:
What if the media got hold of our plans just prior to today in 1944?
Classified is classified. The press should be held to the same standards as the leakers.
Should news organizations who publish classified information be prosecuted?
Yes, they are committing a crime. (55%)
No, they are protected by the First Amendment. (41%)
Not sure. (4%)