Now that we all know that Julian Assange, founder of whistleblower website WikiLeaks, is a "high-tech terrorist", he should be condemned by all right-thinking individuals in whichever country they live in. Joe Biden will thank you. He's the one who placed that hard label on Assange, as The Australian reported today. But, then again, you may be a person who does not agree with this uncompromising suggestion.
In fact, you might think that Biden is attempting to generate negative pre-trial sentiment in the community - even before a charge has been laid. It's true! They have no idea yet which way they'll turn in order to stifle Assange and his wicked henchmen, but they're working hard to create the groundswell of animosity that seems to be requisite for a successful legal campaign. Don't worry, Joe Biden isn't trying to influence the court process (even before a charge has been laid, mind you). He's just giving his honest opinion, in the same way that any other individual franchise-holder is entitled to. Slander? C'mon, don't be rash.
If you think that the American vice president is right to pre-judge Julian Assange, who is currently on bail pending an appeal by Swedish authorities keen to extradite him to their country to face marginally-credible allegations of a sexual nature, then say nothing. Do nothing. Believe that it will all just go away. But remember the precedents, like David Hicks and Mohammed Hanif. Remember that governments will do anything to get what they want, even distort legal process if necessary. Just as long as they get the desired outcome.
In the case of WikiLeaks, governments globally have a lot to worry about. The whistleblower website has deeply embarrassed the US government by placing in clear sight the divergence of public announcements from the realities of back-stage machinations perpetrated by diplomats charged with protecting "national interests". Lost in all of these deals and quiet conversations are the interests of private individuals, however. The people have no voice. Of course! The people need to be protected from truths they cannot handle. Right?
Or do the people need to tell governments they pay for that they are not to be taken for granted.
In fact, you might think that Biden is attempting to generate negative pre-trial sentiment in the community - even before a charge has been laid. It's true! They have no idea yet which way they'll turn in order to stifle Assange and his wicked henchmen, but they're working hard to create the groundswell of animosity that seems to be requisite for a successful legal campaign. Don't worry, Joe Biden isn't trying to influence the court process (even before a charge has been laid, mind you). He's just giving his honest opinion, in the same way that any other individual franchise-holder is entitled to. Slander? C'mon, don't be rash.
If you think that the American vice president is right to pre-judge Julian Assange, who is currently on bail pending an appeal by Swedish authorities keen to extradite him to their country to face marginally-credible allegations of a sexual nature, then say nothing. Do nothing. Believe that it will all just go away. But remember the precedents, like David Hicks and Mohammed Hanif. Remember that governments will do anything to get what they want, even distort legal process if necessary. Just as long as they get the desired outcome.
In the case of WikiLeaks, governments globally have a lot to worry about. The whistleblower website has deeply embarrassed the US government by placing in clear sight the divergence of public announcements from the realities of back-stage machinations perpetrated by diplomats charged with protecting "national interests". Lost in all of these deals and quiet conversations are the interests of private individuals, however. The people have no voice. Of course! The people need to be protected from truths they cannot handle. Right?
Or do the people need to tell governments they pay for that they are not to be taken for granted.
No comments:
Post a Comment