Posted on 05/30/2013 10:04:58 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
The Justice Department should not be chasing national security reporters. But those reporters have a responsibility, too.
As Eric Holder wrings his hands in remorse over his feverish pursuit of Fox News reporter James Rosen’s phone records, it’s worth noting that, when it comes to national security leaks, some things are secret—and should be kept that way—for a reason.
In Rosen’s case, the alarm bells went off not because he reported that North Korea was about to conduct a nuclear-weapons test but because he reported that the CIA learned of this fact from a source inside North Korea. In other words, Rosen revealed that the CIA had a source inside North Korea. It’s unclear whether the source was a human spy or a communications intercept; it’s also irrelevant because, thanks to this story, the source is probably no longer alive or active.
I’m not saying that Rosen should have been treated like a criminal; even Holder is backpedaling from that claim now. But he could have written his story without revealing that nugget about the inside source. The story might have been a little less compelling; his audience might have wondered how he or his official contacts knew that a test was coming. But the U.S. government might also still have a decent intelligence source inside North Korea.
It may seem odd for someone who has been reporting on national security matters for a few decades to say this, but just because the government is doing something in secret—and just because a leaker tells someone like me about it—that doesn’t necessarily mean it should see the light of day. That is especially so if the secret activity in question doesn’t break laws, expose deceit, kill people, violate basic decency, or … (feel free to add to this list).
(Excerpt) Read more at slate.com ...
Both Slate and Salon (who can tell the difference) carrying water for the Far Left since their inception.
I forget, is it Slate or Salon that publishes from an insane asylum?
Neither was Daniel Schorr.
I strongly suspect that Bernstein and Woodward weren't "blameless," under the instant definition of that word.
Mark Felt wasn't blameless, and John Dean was up to his neck in malfeasance.
So what?
Exactly. Government people want everyone to be perfect angels - but not themselves.
+ Rosen
Wow! It’s good to see that Slate cares about America’s interests all of a sudden.
The Vichy bloggers at Slate have spoken.
James Rosen isn’t totally blameless, either. He could’ve chosen to become a dentist instead of a journalist.
ROFLOL
As if foreign countries would believe or not believe anything the US media reports. Is it true? Is it PRAVDA? Is it a bluff?
Who revealed that it was Seal Team 6 that took out Bin Laden? Some of which were killed when their helicopter was attacked. Isn’t the doctor who tipped off the US now rotting in a Pakistani prison?
“... (feel free to add to this list).”
Expose a corrupt government running chicago style tactics? Intimidation under the color of authority? Attempted suppression of free speech under color of authority?
The A55H4T left was outraged over the patriot act and the perceived potential abuses.....they have only to look at their shabby messiah and his deep-dish machine to see what they most feared!!!!!
KYPD
**** you kaplin.
Anther thing this Urinalist misses is the fact that its not illegal for the media to seek, receive, or report sensitive information.
...wish Slate would look into what Odungo was dealing with the Russians when he had more lean way after the election....
Vomitosis; please employ Mitch Rapp.
Un-freakin-real!
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