On the run since the end of November, WikiLeaks continues to capture the world’s attention. The radical media organization has been intent on releasing nearly half a century’s worth of diplomatic cables that they claim “reveals the contradictions between the U.S.’s public persona and what it says behind closed doors,” while a coordinated effort prevents them from doing so.
Writing a column like this demands that I make definitive statements of how I feel about matters like these. And although I’m tempted to say who is right or what is justified, I couldn’t possibly judge this adequately. I simply don’t know enough about what these documents contain.
I have to admit that the effort to bring down WikiLeaks makes me even more curious to see what they’ve uncovered. And I also assume that the organization’s internationally hunted frontman Julian Assange and the anonymous insider providing the information must have some pretty juicy material to risk so much. But authorities caution that the release of some documents could have serious consequences aside from any injustice they may reveal.
So while I’m open to the possibility that Assange has access to classified materials the public would benefit from knowing, I also believe that government has a duty to ensure certain things stay secret, and I appreciate that they manage appropriate aspects of this burden. In addition, I think it’s important to note that people on the inside can view matters in context, and we have to consider that this perspective will not be present in a single random document.
So as this story unfolds, and in the interest of finding a definitive statement I can reasonably make, I’m compelled to examine situations where I feel as if I do possess adequate perspective, and where I am certain I can comfortably identify individuals who have wrongfully withheld evidence.
One scenario involves a close friend currently faced with the ordeal of an elderly parent who has concealed knowledge of a serious disease for many months simply because she didn’t want her children to get involved in the matter. The illness has progressed to the point where it could no longer be hidden, and the family is now forced to make quick decisions for matters that would’ve greatly benefited from more planning.
Another is of a woman who is just starting to piece together convincing evidence of infidelity. It’s not a unique story: he swears her accusation is crazy but the facts read otherwise.
I can also recall situations of my own past behavior where I have chosen to hide shameful mistakes instead of sharing the developments with people directly affected by my covert actions and half-truths.
When the truth does emerge, it is devastating to look into the eyes of someone you’ve betrayed. In that moment, I swear you can actually witness the wronged individual reevaluating their relationship with you as they piece together what you knew when, but failed to speak up until the cat was clearly out of the bag.
I’ve discovered that a failure of loyalty leaves you with a claim to pathetic reasoning if you’re honest, and more elaborate lies if you’re not. If you find yourself in such a predicament, I urge that you confess to pathetic reasoning. Although it takes a while sometimes, I believe that the truth will always come out, so protect as much of your dignity as soon as you can.
If the cables released thus far are any indication, the remaining WikiLeaks documents (if we ever see them) will produce a mixed bag with exposures that are merely embarrassing, accompanied by evidence of serious and unjust actions intentionally hidden to obscure public perception. As we go forward with the possibility of more revelations emerging, I think it’s important that we consider the limitations of raw data, make informed decisions based on careful analysis, and, if necessary, reevaluate how some systems might benefit from increased transparency to avoid volatile demands for it.
Writing a column like this demands that I make definitive statements of how I feel about matters like these. And although I’m tempted to say who is right or what is justified, I couldn’t possibly judge this adequately. I simply don’t know enough about what these documents contain.
I have to admit that the effort to bring down WikiLeaks makes me even more curious to see what they’ve uncovered. And I also assume that the organization’s internationally hunted frontman Julian Assange and the anonymous insider providing the information must have some pretty juicy material to risk so much. But authorities caution that the release of some documents could have serious consequences aside from any injustice they may reveal.
So while I’m open to the possibility that Assange has access to classified materials the public would benefit from knowing, I also believe that government has a duty to ensure certain things stay secret, and I appreciate that they manage appropriate aspects of this burden. In addition, I think it’s important to note that people on the inside can view matters in context, and we have to consider that this perspective will not be present in a single random document.
So as this story unfolds, and in the interest of finding a definitive statement I can reasonably make, I’m compelled to examine situations where I feel as if I do possess adequate perspective, and where I am certain I can comfortably identify individuals who have wrongfully withheld evidence.
One scenario involves a close friend currently faced with the ordeal of an elderly parent who has concealed knowledge of a serious disease for many months simply because she didn’t want her children to get involved in the matter. The illness has progressed to the point where it could no longer be hidden, and the family is now forced to make quick decisions for matters that would’ve greatly benefited from more planning.
Another is of a woman who is just starting to piece together convincing evidence of infidelity. It’s not a unique story: he swears her accusation is crazy but the facts read otherwise.
I can also recall situations of my own past behavior where I have chosen to hide shameful mistakes instead of sharing the developments with people directly affected by my covert actions and half-truths.
When the truth does emerge, it is devastating to look into the eyes of someone you’ve betrayed. In that moment, I swear you can actually witness the wronged individual reevaluating their relationship with you as they piece together what you knew when, but failed to speak up until the cat was clearly out of the bag.
I’ve discovered that a failure of loyalty leaves you with a claim to pathetic reasoning if you’re honest, and more elaborate lies if you’re not. If you find yourself in such a predicament, I urge that you confess to pathetic reasoning. Although it takes a while sometimes, I believe that the truth will always come out, so protect as much of your dignity as soon as you can.
If the cables released thus far are any indication, the remaining WikiLeaks documents (if we ever see them) will produce a mixed bag with exposures that are merely embarrassing, accompanied by evidence of serious and unjust actions intentionally hidden to obscure public perception. As we go forward with the possibility of more revelations emerging, I think it’s important that we consider the limitations of raw data, make informed decisions based on careful analysis, and, if necessary, reevaluate how some systems might benefit from increased transparency to avoid volatile demands for it.
