Obama Files More Anti-Leaker Cases in 2 Years than all Presidents in Last 40 Years

[villager]

Obama Files More Anti-Leaker Cases in 2 Years than all Presidents in Last 40 Years

The administration that promised more openness with government information has instead taken a tougher stance on whistle-blowing than any other White House in the last four decades.

Since taking office, President Barack Obama’s Department of Justice has filed criminal charges in five separate cases involving unauthorized distribution of classified national security information to the media. Before Obama, the government prosecuted a total of three cases during the previous 40 years.

The two highest profile cases being pursued currently involve WikiLeaks; one against founder Julian Assange and another against Army Private Bradley Manning who is accused of turning classified military and diplomatic files over to the whistle-blowing website.

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The Obama administration’s hard-line stance may end up having a chilling effect on others who want to expose wrongdoing on the government’s part, says Jesselyn Radack, a former Justice Department attorney now with the Government Accountability Project.

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http://www.allgov.com/Controversies/ViewNews/Obama_Files_More_Anti_Leaker_Cases_in_2_Years_than_all_Presidents_in_Last_40_Years_110309

[pnwmom]

1. The statistic means nothing out of context.

What cases have we had that were comparable to Manning/Assange?

[villager]

2. You're right -- that's a particularly egregious example of this administration's overreach

n/t

[pnwmom]

3. Oh yeah. It's really overreaching to prosecute a soldier with secret clearance

who was leaking hundreds of thousands of diplomatic files to the world.

[villager]

4. Glad to see you supporting the death penalty for exposing corrupt military/industrial secrets

But then, we could tell which side you're really on.

[pnwmom]

5. They're not pursuing the death penalty against Manning.

I don't support the death penalty but, if he is guilty, life in prison would be appropriate.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/02/AR2011030206272.html

But prosecutors would not seek Manning's execution if he were convicted of the capital offense of "aiding the enemy," officials said Wednesday in a statement that outlined the 22 charges.

[dogman]

6. Welcome to the nudist colony.

Will he stand naked in Gitmo?

[pnwmom]

7. No, he won't. n/t

[dogman]

10. And who would stop it?

It is happening now. Maybe they can find co-conspirators and build a pyramid.

[Wilms]

8. You wanted Change. No?

:shrug:

[libmom74]

9. I'm all hope and changed out