Do not read the New York Times

  The New York Times is publishing the WikiLeaks.  They seem to think they have the right to publish stolen data.  I wonder if I can walk into the New York Times and steal a computer from them and then use it.  I am a “media outlet” so I have the right to receive stolen stuff and then use it.
  If a lot of stuff was stolen from the New York Times and they found out that I had it…I guess I could tell them that they should tell me what stuff they want back and why they think they should get it back.  Right?
 
  I do not understand how the “news media” can get away with publishing this sort of stuff.  They get to decide what is in the national interest of the United States?  They get to decide what puts lives in danger? 
  They have not been elected to any office.  I never voted for them.
 
  In the past when things like this come up .. It appears that the government will say the person that stole the information is subject to arrest and jail but once you hand over the stolen stuff to the media they can keep it and use it.
  Well I guess I should call myself a news media then.
  Because right now if someone steals a digital camera from someone and then they sell it to say John Smith.  Say it is a $1000.00 digital camera and someone steals it.  Then then turn around and sell it on eBay to Jim Howard for $500.00 for the camera.
  When the police find out it is stolen they come and take it away from Jim Howard.  He can say but I paid for it.  He can say I did not know it was stolen.  But it makes no difference.
  So let me get this right if Jim Howard says he is a news media he gets to keep the camera?  
  That is not the way it works.

  I know we are not going to do anything to the New York Times.
  But I think them publishing the WikiLeaks stuff is anti-American.  I think it is un-America.  I think they are doing harm to the United States of America. They put is all in danger.

  What people can do is do not read the New York Times.  Cancel your subscription. 
  If you are an advertiser do not advertise in the New York Times.

  I would love to see prosecutions of the New York Times people.  It is not going to happen but I would love to see it.  I would like to see them pay a price for their actions.

  I know that the information was also given to a few other newspapers in other nations.  I do not think there is anything we can do about that.. But the New York Times I would like to see us nail them to a wall.

Comments

[Dick]

Have to agree with you and it's hypocrisy for the networks and the press to decry Wikileaks and then publish and broadcast the material. Seems to me everyone in the chain of divulgences is liable along with the PFC who downloaded the material.

In the real world however once something is "out" it's out worldwide simultaneously and is deemed public domain. It's funny that the press does observe some ground rules - generally doesn't release names of sex crime victim and other facts involving individuals. In this case where harm can come to our entire country they feel no responsibility. In fact the press ran to publish the most inflammatory items before actual release.

You won't boycott the New York Times - you may try but the news from the Times is everywhere and you'll read Times stories and columns even without knowing it so they'll suffer no consequences.

I think it's irresponsible up and down the line and even more so when outlets with the broadest reach perpetuate the original sin. Does that mean I'm for censorship - yep in cases of national security and our behind the scenes international relations. The material probably won't surprise out allies - they know international diplomacy is hard ball and the public stance of a country isn't always the same as the behind the scenes stance - but it gives cynics and those who wish us ill ammo and leaverage. And many of the personal asides should probably not been put down in writing in the first place.

Jim's right again on this one - what a record!