[Sgt_Schultze]

So Matt Mosk is admitting that he was MD4Bush - on at least 3 occasions. Who is to say he wasn't the original poster as well? Unfortunately, I heard that MD has a shield law which protects "journalists" from being forced to identify their sources. It must serves a a license to lie.

Apparently, reporters can write their stories based on information from those they promise not to identify and there is nothing that can be done. What is there to keep reporters from fabricating, say, a 30 year-old military memo? They set it up in Microsoft Word and then the "age" it on a photocopier. Then they can keep secret the fact that they invented the story and the proof by stating that the information was given to them by a confidential informant.

Of course we know such a scenario is not likely (wink) but why leave open the option to cheat?

[maggief]

The WaPost HQ is DC and printed in Virginia and Maryland, I believe. FR, of course, is CA.

What would be the jurisdiction?

[basil]

If memory serves me, the WAPO once sued FR. Does anyone remember that?

[Gabz]

I don't know anything about Maryland having a shield law - but I can tell you that when I was a reporter in Maryland, I NEVER used an anonymous source (nor did I in Delaware). If I couldn't get an attributable source for a story - the story was DOA.

[conservative in nyc]

So Matt Mosk is admitting that he was MD4Bush - on at least 3 occasions. Who is to say he wasn't the original poster as well?

The Maryland editor of the Washington Post. The Washington Post also has a reputation to keep. If they're lying, it's big news.

Unfortunately, I heard that MD has a shield law which protects "journalists" from being forced to identify their sources. It must serves a a license to lie.

Some FReepers have opined that a lawsuit could be brought in Federal court. And there's no federal shield law.

Apparently, reporters can write their stories based on information from those they promise not to identify and there is nothing that can be done. What is there to keep reporters from fabricating, say, a 30 year-old military memo?

Us FReepers, other members of the New Media, and the WaPo's competitors in the Old Media. Remember what happened to Dan Rather?