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Drip, Drip, Drip
Author: BobR    Date: 08/24/2012 15:30:02

A secret is a tantalizing thing. It's like a little gem that you want to show the world, but to do so reduces it's worth. It's a catch-22, a conundrum. Some people are able to keep secrets and some are not. There are many motivations for revealing secrets.

Certain government jobs require the ability to keep secrets. We like our government to be transparent as much as possible, but it couldn't function in the rest of the world were it not able to maintain secrecy in certain areas. People's lives are at risk, as is our security. When a government secret gets out, we call it a leak. This is generally frowned upon, although in some cases is considered "whistle-blowing" when the government is doing extremely illegal or immoral things.

Republicans (and the people who support them) are currently upset by what they consider to be aggregious leaks from the Obama administration:
Machen and Rosenstein were appointed to oversee investigations into who leaked information about U.S. involvement in cyberattacks on Iran and an al-Qaida plot to place an explosive device aboard a U.S.-bound flight.
[..]
McCain called it the "almost unprecedented release of information which directly affects our national security. I can't think of any time that I have seen such breaches of ongoing national security programs as has been the case here."

High dudgeon indeed! Missing, of course, are specifics as to exactly how our national security has been compromised. Were covert operations scuttled? Were covert operatives flushed out? Were informants identified? It's a lot of wailing with no substance.

Candidate Romney has also complained that the Obama administration has deliberately leaked information about the Osama bin Laden raid for political reasons. This has been part of a one-two punch by a group of swiftboaters trying to devalue the political capital President Obama earned for his part in orchestrating that raid. It should come as no surprise that the group behind this is packed with Republican operatives. It certainly is apparent that someone is trying to make this political, but it ain't the Obama campaign.

One aspect of that raid on Osama bin Laden, however, has been the need to keep the identities of the participants secret. The reason, of course, is that they would certainly be targets for revenge by al-Qaeda. The Obama administration has not released their names, which has made it difficult to square and counterpoint the criticisms by the swiftboating group.

One of the Navy Seals who participated decided to write a book about it to set the record straight. That book: "No Easy Day" was released with a pseudonym to protect the author's identity (and life). His identity, however, was revealed by none other than Republican propaganda outfit FOX News:
The Navy SEAL who used a pseudonym to write an upcoming book on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden has been revealed.

Penguin Books—which is publishing "No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama bin Laden" on Sept. 11 on its Dutton imprint—said the author used the pen name Mark Owen and changed the names of his fellow SEALs for security reasons.

But Fox News published Owen's real name, saying he is a 36-year-old Alaskan and former member of the so-called Team 6 that killed bin Laden in a May 2011 assault on the al-Qaida chief's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Why would FOX do this? My assumption is that the book is not critical of President Obama. Anything that helps strengthen his foreign policy credentials is anathema to the Republicans (and thus to FOX).

This seems to be the critical difference between leakers on the left and leakers on the right. Those on the left leak in order to expose general government malfeasence. Those on the right leak to punish individuals (think Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame). In their mind, this Navy Seal deserved to be exposed for committing the cardinal sin of interfering with their political narrative.

Will McCain and all the rest be upset that FOX News exposed one of our elite soldiers (and his family) to certain danger by leaking his real name? I seriously doubt it. A leak only has merit when it can hurt the opposition.
 

51 comments (Latest Comment: 08/25/2012 03:52:09 by Will in Chicago)
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Comment by Mondobubba on 08/24/2012 12:54:18
Comment by TriSec on 08/24/2012 12:59:06
Morning, folks. I almost got killed on the way here this morning.

Is merging onto an interstate really that hard?

I was getting onto 128 South when the car in front of me decelerated down the onramp and pulled onto the highway at about 20 mph.

Right in front of an 18-wheeler barreling down the right lane. I saw it coming and pulled far into the breakdown lane and almost stopped while I and the truck laid on a good dose of horn.

Don't know how close it actually was, but the FAA would be investigating a "near miss" had this been on a runway.



Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2012 13:01:16
Morning

Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 13:15:52
Good morning!

Comment by BobR on 08/24/2012 13:23:02

As I was reading the description I thought of "Koyaanisqatsi", and then they mentioned it as well. I'll have to check it out.

Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 13:35:54
Via ThinkProgress:

7 people shot near Empire State Building. Perp shot dead. 1 person in serious condition. (via @NYScanner)

Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2012 13:41:40
heck, I can't go back to school cause I can't afford it. I would love to get a 2nd degree or a masters

Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2012 13:42:13
Quote by Raine:
Via ThinkProgress:

7 people shot near Empire State Building. Perp shot dead. 1 person in serious condition. (via @NYScanner)


jesus! what the freak is wrong with people!


Comment by Mondobubba on 08/24/2012 13:49:45
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, folks. I almost got killed on the way here this morning.

Is merging onto an interstate really that hard?

I was getting onto 128 South when the car in front of me decelerated down the onramp and pulled onto the highway at about 20 mph.

Right in front of an 18-wheeler barreling down the right lane. I saw it coming and pulled far into the breakdown lane and almost stopped while I and the truck laid on a good dose of horn.

Don't know how close it actually was, but the FAA would be investigating a "near miss" had this been on a runway.




Liberal confessional time. I had to yell at bicylists last night. They were riding two abreast. Even when they looked behind to see the traffic, they continued to ride side by side. When I I got to a wider spot in the road I yelled "SINGLE FILE, LADIES!"

Comment by TriSec on 08/24/2012 13:53:18
Why doesn't the NRA just make it official and issue everyone an assault rifle when they turn 17?

I don't think this many people get shot in Mogadishu anymore.


Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2012 13:56:27
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, folks. I almost got killed on the way here this morning.

Is merging onto an interstate really that hard?

I was getting onto 128 South when the car in front of me decelerated down the onramp and pulled onto the highway at about 20 mph.

Right in front of an 18-wheeler barreling down the right lane. I saw it coming and pulled far into the breakdown lane and almost stopped while I and the truck laid on a good dose of horn.

Don't know how close it actually was, but the FAA would be investigating a "near miss" had this been on a runway.




Liberal confessional time. I had to yell at bicylists last night. They were riding two abreast. Even when they looked behind to see the traffic, they continued to ride side by side. When I I got to a wider spot in the road I yelled "SINGLE FILE, LADIES!"



I hate it when cyclists ride on the 2 lane roads!

Comment by TriSec on 08/24/2012 14:22:35
USA Today:

Update at 10:14 a.m. ET: A witness tells CNN that the gunman ran after and shot a man in the head. An unarmed guard chased the gunman away, the witness says.

Update at 10:10 a.m. ET: CBS2 New York quotes a witness as saying she heard three shots and saw three people running down the street. "Then we heard it again and it was like 10 to 15 shots at one time," she tells CBS2.

Update at 10:05 a.m. ET:The New York Post, quoting unidentified sources, reports that the shootings stemmed from a dispute between coworkers.

The Post says at least two people are dead, including the gunman and an innocent bystander, and that a total of 10 people were shot. Reuters also reports two dead.





Comment by Mondobubba on 08/24/2012 14:40:05
Lemme just add my .2 cents about the shooting. We wouldn't be talking about without the Dark Knight killings and it being summer.

Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 14:45:12
Quote by TriSec:
USA Today:

Update at 10:14 a.m. ET: A witness tells CNN that the gunman ran after and shot a man in the head. An unarmed guard chased the gunman away, the witness says.

Update at 10:10 a.m. ET: CBS2 New York quotes a witness as saying she heard three shots and saw three people running down the street. "Then we heard it again and it was like 10 to 15 shots at one time," she tells CBS2.

Update at 10:05 a.m. ET:The New York Post, quoting unidentified sources, reports that the shootings stemmed from a dispute between coworkers.

The Post says at least two people are dead, including the gunman and an innocent bystander, and that a total of 10 people were shot. Reuters also reports two dead.



This is so disturbing. I am surprised more people didn;t get hurt, considering the time of morning and the Location.

Now what I am hearing is that 4-5 ppl were shot, others were hurt in the ensuing stampede.


Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 14:45:46
Quote by Mondobubba:
Lemme just add my .2 cents about the shooting. We wouldn't be talking about without the Dark Knight killings and it being summer.
Not sure about that.

Shooting like this are pretty rare in NYC.


Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2012 15:11:51
New Hampster? If that next to Furmont?

Comment by TriSec on 08/24/2012 15:17:34
Quote by wickedpam:
New Hampster? If that next to Furmont?


And bordering Mane!

*ducks brick*


Comment by Mondobubba on 08/24/2012 15:29:42
Comment by BobR on 08/24/2012 15:30:43
The blog is posted. I am merging the threads...

Comment by TriSec on 08/24/2012 16:04:44
And compare a mass-shooting in New York to overnight in Chicago.

Comment by livingonli on 08/24/2012 16:10:07
Good day, folks. I am just wondering at times whether this country has gone nucking futs.

Comment by Mondobubba on 08/24/2012 16:21:11
Quote by BobR:
The blog is posted. I am merging the threads...



Bob, is merging the threads anything like crossing the streams? You do know that crossing the streams would be...bad.

Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 16:22:26
Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 16:41:27
Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2012 16:55:45



shameful

Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/24/2012 17:03:38



Hello, bloggers!! I hope that everyone is well today.

BobR, Romney's comment and the blog point out a very disturbing trend in the GOP. Now, it seems that only those who agree with them are acknowledged as real Americans. I worry about this, as this sort of rhetoric has already led to violence.

As for myself, no job leads on any front. I am still looking for teaching work, but I think it is getting very likely that I will have to revive some old skills and conclude that teaching was something not meant to be.


Comment by livingonli on 08/24/2012 17:07:59
Well, I see now CBS has an advantage with a duopoly in New York. With CBS2 in full news coverage of the Empire State shooting, they have slid CBS programming over to WLNY so it can still be seen but WNBC and WABC do not provide options to see network programming on their sibling sub-channels.

Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 17:19:17
Parade: How has tithing [the Mormon practice of giving 10 percent of one's income to the church] shaped your view of how we treat each other?

Ann Romney: I love tithing. When Mitt and I give that check, I actually cry.

Mitt Romney: So do I, but for a different reason.
WTH.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/24/2012 17:43:38
Quote by Raine:
Parade: How has tithing [the Mormon practice of giving 10 percent of one's income to the church] shaped your view of how we treat each other?

Ann Romney: I love tithing. When Mitt and I give that check, I actually cry.

Mitt Romney: So do I, but for a different reason.
WTH.



Mitt Romney making a joke about giving money to his church does not make him seem like a regular guy. This man seems inauthentic as he tries to show that he is not so different from the rest of us.

John F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt were wealthy men, but their experiences let them connect with the average person. Somehow, I don't think that Mitt Romney has the ability to make the same sort of connection with the public.

Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2012 17:54:05
Can I get a little help in getting the regular douchebag (I swear I never used to say that word until I met you guys ) who defends the extreme right wing stuff no matter what. I would like him shut up before he gets rolling.

please help shut him down b4 he starts up again

Comment by livingonli on 08/24/2012 19:12:20
I see Randi opened with the birther comment from Mittens.

Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 19:20:25
Quote by livingonli:
I see Randi opened with the birther comment from Mittens.

I'm astounded that he made those comments


Comment by livingonli on 08/24/2012 19:22:48
Quote by Raine:
Quote by livingonli:
I see Randi opened with the birther comment from Mittens.

I'm astounded that he made those comments

His campaign is so sad and pathetic that he still has to pander to the far-right base. It's hard to believe that the election is even somewhat close.

Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 19:25:39
OMG! C-Span callers!

Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2012 19:25:49
Thank you

Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 19:35:09
Quote by wickedpam:
Thank you
You're welcome.


Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2012 19:36:00
he microwaves kittens

Comment by BobR on 08/24/2012 19:40:02
Quote by Will in Chicago:


Hello, bloggers!! I hope that everyone is well today.

BobR, Romney's comment and the blog point out a very disturbing trend in the GOP. Now, it seems that only those who agree with them are acknowledged as real Americans. I worry about this, as this sort of rhetoric has already led to violence.

As for myself, no job leads on any front. I am still looking for teaching work, but I think it is getting very likely that I will have to revive some old skills and conclude that teaching was something not meant to be.

You could always be a technical (corporate) instructer

Comment by Mondobubba on 08/24/2012 19:41:24
Quote by wickedpam:
Can I get a little help in getting the regular douchebag (I swear I never used to say that word until I met you guys ) who defends the extreme right wing stuff no matter what. I would like him shut up before he gets rolling.

please help shut him down b4 he starts up again



As a tangent, I regularly use "douchebag" when I am talking to my 83-year old mom. She is not offended.

Comment by TriSec on 08/24/2012 19:43:23
Comment by wickedpam on 08/24/2012 19:44:26
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Can I get a little help in getting the regular douchebag (I swear I never used to say that word until I met you guys ) who defends the extreme right wing stuff no matter what. I would like him shut up before he gets rolling.

please help shut him down b4 he starts up again



As a tangent, I regularly use "douchebag" when I am talking to my 83-year old mom. She is not offended.



I swear you guys are such a bad influence! (but in a good way) I never used to say that XD

Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 21:07:58
Well, this is awkward -- for Romney...


Pro-Lifers to Romney: Withdraw for Investing in Baby-Burning Business, Support for Aborting Rape Babies

Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 21:23:53
Akin, on a friday night news dump has determined to undermine the fact that Romney made a birther joke to distract from his Abortion/Akin problem.

HE's a fuckin idiot.

Comment by Raine on 08/24/2012 21:34:29
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/s480x480/546669_473065286045124_384303881_n.jpg


Comment by Mondobubba on 08/24/2012 22:03:44
Quote by Raine:
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/s480x480/546669_473065286045124_384303881_n.jpg






Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/24/2012 22:17:22
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Will in Chicago:


Hello, bloggers!! I hope that everyone is well today.

BobR, Romney's comment and the blog point out a very disturbing trend in the GOP. Now, it seems that only those who agree with them are acknowledged as real Americans. I worry about this, as this sort of rhetoric has already led to violence.

As for myself, no job leads on any front. I am still looking for teaching work, but I think it is getting very likely that I will have to revive some old skills and conclude that teaching was something not meant to be.

You could always be a technical (corporate) instructer



Where would I go to learn about how to do that? I do have a Bachelors in Business Administration, with an Information and Decision Sciences major. (MIS everywhere else but the University of Illinois.)

Let's say my brother is being a bigger pain than normal about my job search. At this point, I will take anything.\


Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/24/2012 22:18:30
Quote by TriSec:
Nice work, Fox.



If this ex-Navy Seal is killed because of his being outed by Fox, can his next of kin sue the corporation?

Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/24/2012 22:22:42
In some good news, after being stuck doing yard work and housework, I see several new teacher job openings. Hmm, if I do get something in the Bay State, I may be tempted to just take my clothes and leave everything else if I am staying with friends.

Comment by BobR on 08/24/2012 22:43:32
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Will in Chicago:


Hello, bloggers!! I hope that everyone is well today.

BobR, Romney's comment and the blog point out a very disturbing trend in the GOP. Now, it seems that only those who agree with them are acknowledged as real Americans. I worry about this, as this sort of rhetoric has already led to violence.

As for myself, no job leads on any front. I am still looking for teaching work, but I think it is getting very likely that I will have to revive some old skills and conclude that teaching was something not meant to be.

You could always be a technical (corporate) instructer


Where would I go to learn about how to do that? I do have a Bachelors in Business Administration, with an Information and Decision Sciences major. (MIS everywhere else but the University of Illinois.)

Let's say my brother is being a bigger pain than normal about my job search. At this point, I will take anything.\

Software companies generally have staff that teaches users, installers, project managers, etc., how to configure and use the products they sell. I figure with your IT background and teaching experience, you would be a good match for that.

Here is an example I just randomnly pulled from CareerBuilder.com:

Comment by livingonli on 08/25/2012 01:26:30
Quote by Raine:
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/s480x480/546669_473065286045124_384303881_n.jpg

I have to post this on my facecrack.