Policies of Leaking

The New York Times has done it again. Leaked, that is. Before the heavily guarded launch of one of the most eagerly anticipated literary conclusions ever- the Saturday release of JK Rowling's seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series, the Times managed to obtain a copy and publish a review of the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

However, the Times, in the person of reviewer Michiko Kakutani, was kind enough to maintain the secrecy and avoid giving away any vital plot points, such as who exactly dies, who lives and how the final conclusion plays out. It appears that the Times has a policy of leaking. When dealing with literary releases that, while they may be eagerly anticipated around the world have no real impact on people's lives, the Times is more than willing to protect information that may otherwise disappoint millions of fans.

However, when dealing with United States government programs that may end up being the difference between life and death for millions of Americans, the Times has no compunction about revealing any and every detail that may hurt the U.S. government's ability to defeat the enemies of all of us. Equally, they seem surprised when informed that their leaky mouths might actually end up killing people- and helping the Muslim terrorists.

I find the Times's priorities disappointing, but unsurpirsing. Like much of the rest of the Press and the Democratic Party, the Times decided long ago that it was more important to destroy the Presidency of George W. Bush, no matter how much harm that may bring the nation, than it is to actually help protect the lives of this country's citizens.