Those damn Wikileaks.....

[poltr1]

Earlier this year, I first heard about a web site called Wikileaks. I didn't know what it was, so I stayed away from it. Last week, or two weeks ago, the people behind WIkileaks published many pieces of diplomatic correspondence that had previously been classified. This has resulted in damage to my country's reputation in the world.

Why am I so upset about this? Because it's totally against what I was taught as a defense contractor from 1989-2000. I worked at a large Air Force installation. I held a Secret level clearance from 1997-2000. I can't -- and won't -- say what I worked on back then. But security was always a big concern. We had quarterly briefings emphasizing proper security procedures. And we learned that people who leaked classified information were considered traitors. Their names live on in infamy: Aldrich Ames. Robert Hanssen. To name a few.

So I'm trying to figure out why Julian Assange founded the website. What was his motivation? What was his intention?

I really can't see how or why leaking any classified information is a Good Thing, whether it's my country's information or somone else's.

Comments

[athenawindsong.livejournal.com]

In my head, the jury is still out on this one. I see your point as to keeping classified info classified, but I also see a need for more transparency (resulting in accountability) in the the political world. I don't 100% agree with either side - the supporters or the detractors - but REALLY don't like what the hackers are doing in response.