WikiLeaks is an international non-profit organization that began back around 2006. They are known to publish secret or classified material from anonymous sources, news leaks or whistleblowers. They became well known in this country when it released in April, 2010 gun-sight footage from a 2007 incident in which Iraqi journalists were among those killed by an Apache helicopter. In November 2010, WikiLeaks began releasing U.S. State department diplomatic cables and more recently in April, 2011 released secret files about prisoners detained in Guantanamo Bay detention camp.
WikiLeaks has attracted many followers who have had suspicions, conspiracy theories & deep mistrust of the U.S. government a place to rally or use as platform to launch their rhetoric as self-evident truth. For example Susan Rice was accused as having her diplomats working as part-time spies, as suggested by documents released to the public through WikiLeaks. Rice was forced to respond to reporters at the United Nations where she was questioned about restricted information that was released. Rice was forced to claim; “Our diplomats are doing what diplomats do around the world every day, which is build relationships, negotiate, advance our interests and work to find common solutions to complex problems.”
My view point is that secret, classified information and private communication is just that. Information not intended for all eyes and should be left as is. Sure there can be abuse when things are kept from public scrutiny. But our system of government has many checks & balances to include oversight committees and an active judicial system. In my opinion if I feel that I cannot trust my government then it is time to vote out who is in office or run for office myself. Unfortunately these days we need to have government keep secrets run plays that are not in the public’s eyes but in the public’s best interests. I will add that the Cold War was fought in very much the same manor. With far more espionage, spies and near exchange of nuclear weapons. In the end did it not turn out in our favor?
Hudson,
ReplyDeleteOverall, your posts are getting better. I can see that you spend more time and effort on this one.
The pictures you chose are excellent!
Also, your opening paragraph is great. You clearly define Wikileaks and their actions to present the topic to your readers.
Your opposing viewpoints section, though, doesn't seem to answer the question you pose in your title.
Your analysis is good. You clearly state that you support the idea that states need secrets, but you should then present the other side in your opposing view paragraph. You should have included information about folks who believe that Wikileaks is doing a good thing for society and order.
Be sure to check your spacing. The second paragraph needs a space in front of it. Also, in your fact box, be sure to list all sources. You have mentioned Reuters in fact 3, but none for the other two.
GR: 75