Since the Wikileaks release of the documents last week, it has stirred up amounts of trouble between numerous countries. Not only has there been information released about the United States, but China,Israel, and Afghanistan as well. The documents have released a great deal of information about what the people in the U.S. embassies have been involved in, including supposed spying on other countries and blocked transfers of missile technology with China. The release of the Wikileaks is going to upset alot of other countries and can potentially harm the relationships with the allies that the U.S. currently has. There were specific names released on the cables of the Wikileaks and that could also create targets and potential harm on people who shouldn't be exposed. There were also specific locations and where certain protected areas are.
China in specific has spoken out about their views on the recent release of the cables on Wikileaks. China is using their freedom of the press, or lack there of, to try to block any information released about China. So far, China has been exposed of being the people who hacked Google after a member of the Politburo "googled" himself and didn't like the results. Also, the cables are making it very awkward for China and the U.S. because of an exchange between the two countries that wasn't supposed to be released WAS released. The "CableGate" page has been blocked by Chinese officials in charge of the regulation on Internet usage there. Also, the free use of Twitter is being monitored and parts of Twitter are being blocked as well. Obviously China is nervous about what is going to be released or has been released, so they are taking all efforts to prevent release of unintended materials.
In my opinion, just like in China, people should be charged for releasing these secret cables that expose the U.S. and other countries to danger. They do it in China, why not here? I know that there is Freedom of Speech and Expression in the United States, but shouldn't there be some kind of limit that is put onto the people who cause problems in the country and also make issues more dangerous by involving our allies?
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep-4U24_d4w
China wikileaks:
http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2010/11/29/china-trying-to-plug-wikileak/?mod=e2tw
I don't think the founding fathers ever meant the first amendment to mean what it is seen as today. Today, everyone uses the first amendment as an excuse for their actions. I am glad we have it, but when it comes to important and top secret government information I think it should be exercised with great caution. That information is top secret for a reason! A lot of the info can be dangerous to us and to other countries if it ends up in the wrong hands.
ReplyDeleteThis world of internet-connectivity is as dangerous a time as recent humanity has lived through. These leaks are no more than treason. It puts people - even entire nations - at risk. There is no place for this information in the public (worldwide) domain. The right to free speech/press does NOT include the right to create international turmoil. The right to free speech/press does NOT include illegally obtaining government property. This creates a clear and present danger across the globe. This could even be construed as to wonder if WikiLeaks is creating fighting words.
ReplyDeletehttp://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Clear-and-present+danger+test