Posted on 12/03/2010 1:30:26 PM PST by lormand
Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) is taking a stand as one of Julian Assange’s few defenders in Washington, arguing that the WikiLeaks founder should get the same protections as the media.
Attorney General Eric Holder said this week that the Justice Department is examining whether Assange can be charged with a crime for posting hundreds of thousands of leaked government intelligence documents and diplomatic cables.
Many Republicans have gone even further in their attacks on Assange, especially former Arkansas GOP Gov. Mike Huckabee, who said this week that the source who leaked to the WikiLeaks founder should be tried for treason and executed if found guilty.
But in a Thursday interview with Fox Business, Paul said the idea of prosecuting Assange crosses the line.
“In a free society we're supposed to know the truth,” Paul said. “In a society where truth becomes treason, then we're in big trouble. And now, people who are revealing the truth are getting into trouble for it.”
“This whole notion that Assange, who's an Australian, that we want to prosecute him for treason. I mean, aren't they jumping to a wild conclusion?” he added. “This is media, isn't it? I mean, why don't we prosecute The New York Times or anybody that releases this?”
Paul followed up with a post to his Twitter account Friday morning: "Re: WikiLeaks — In a free society, we are supposed to know the truth. In a society where truth becomes treason, we are in big trouble."
I’ve got to admit that I’m liking the reports I’m reading of what’s being released by Wikileaks.
He’s got a point, but the soldier that stole the information should be tried and executed.
Asswang should just “disappear”.
An Australian can commit treason against Australia. I am unsure if an Australian can even commit treason against America. It sure doesn't fit the dictionary definition.
Treason
noun
1. the offense of acting to overthrow one’s government or to harm or kill its sovereign.
2. a violation of allegiance to one’s sovereign or to one’s state.
3. the betrayal of a trust or confidence; breach of faith; treachery.
He’s right about one thing: you can’t try an Australian for treason in America... maybe in Australia.
We are at war, assclown! Cripes, every time I think Ron Paul makes some sense, he says something so mind-numbingly stupid.
I even wonder if all this is to keep Hillary from running in 2012.
When Bush allowed Sandy Burglar to get away with stolen documents, I got a lot more upset. This is libertarian posturing, which is not to be taken too seriously. Libertarians are often effete.
I belive they should go after the new papers also!
The point is that he always defends those who attack America.
Whether the leaked info contains beneficial or malicious material is irrelavent. It is classified material that should never see the light of day.
Assange needs to be punished for espionage, and with the normal punishment for espionage.
The "diplomatic cable" system has to be protected even at the expense of some lives. The alternatives are far more expensive and intrusive.
“This is media, isn’t it? I mean, why don’t we prosecute The New York Times or anybody that releases this?”
Got to love this statement.
There’s nothing coming out of these *leaks* that seems anywhere near being treasonous. Although some would like you to think so.
It is.
Here's a novel idea, segment your database, put strict limits on those who use it, only allow normal people access, i.e., patriotic people with normal lifestyles.
If we see any military personel dancing to Lady Gaga, shoot them too.
If you hate America, Ron Paul will be there to defend you.
Howling mad.
Treason for manning, Espionage for Asswipe, and one more rope for RON PAUL just for being an EFFING KOOK!
If everything is classified then we are a nation of slaves, dumb and happy. Is that what we want. There are materials that have to be classified but it should be directly related to our nation security.
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