Hey Ms. Clinton

Leaked diplomatic cables are dangerous. But not as dangerous as media control.

[2010-12-03]

Ms. Clinton,

You are right. Leaked confidential diplomatic correspondence risks the wellbeing, and sometimes lives, of people around the world.

But not as many lives as have been laid down by brave Americans, and others, to protect and defend the right of freedom of speech, enshrined in your nation's constitution, war after war, century after century.

Give those lives pause.

My nation's constitution also enshrines freedom of speech, and a free media. And my nation's government is also trying desperately to fence in that freedom. When my country's government tries to lock down a pesky press, your country, quite rightly, calls that a bad idea. But when you do the same, it's called protecting the innocent.

Don't get me wrong; I'm sure the innocent could use all the protection they can get, but it would be a mistake to do so by shutting down a website and silencing a man whose actions are protected by the very constitution you swore to uphold, whether you think he's a nice guy or not.

This is not the time to act out of fear for the repercussions of a reckless man, but rather out of bravery to stand up for the principles you profess to believe.

☙