I am an eternal optimist in the human species. I believe that despite all the wrongs, the horrors, and the ills that plague our species, human beings when pressed, will do the right thing. I believe that it is programmed into the human spirit to want to make our lives better, to play by a series of rules and to live in a world of equality. This is what separates us from the animal kingdom. But, sadly, not everyone feels this way.
History has provided us countless examples of the predatory nature of man when he (And, it seems that despite the call for equality, in this category, men are truly dominant in the bad behavior department) is at his worst. Pick any topic, any subject matter and I can cite examples of when men were at their worst. And, I am sure you can to. But for every story of injustice, you can always find a shard of humanity that has refused to be engulfed by darkness around it and instead would raise its fist against the threatening tempest.
In 2006 WikiLeaks was formed up as a platform from which members of society could do just that; speak out under the protection of anonymity and shed light on a societal ill. WikiLeaks has become the defacto venue, but not the only one, for shedding on light on government and corporate secrets, that the offenders would rather leave hidden. Using this global platform, evidence from across the world has poured in proving that when man is at his worst, someone will call him on it.
For these efforts many government and corporate leaders have called for action against WikiLeaks and Julian Assange, its editor-in-chief and figurehead. Consider these comments found buried in official American communications turned over to WikiLeaks and it is easy to see why Assange is nervous:
- · “Assange is going to make a nice bride in prison. Screw the terrorist. He’ll be eating cat food forever.”
- · “We have a sealed indictment on Assange”
- · “Depends on what charges would stick. Bankrupt the arsehole first, ruin his life. Give him 7-12 yrs for conspiracy”
It’s ironic how those who believe in their self-appointed “noble cause” will go to such great lengths to protect their cause, even to the extent of harming others in their efforts.
Do these men of secrets call for the shutting down of books, newspapers, television stations or radio stations? Of course they do not. Yet, each of these mediums existed long before WikiLeaks and each medium has had its hand in exposing our society’s dishonesties.
I do not advocating Assange fleeing from Sweden where he currently is wanted for questioning. I feel these actions and questions should be addressed. However, I do believe in the mission of WikiLeaks. We need to have venues where people can speak out, voice their concerns and raise their fears so that others can be made aware. I hope we see WikiLeaks continuing for some time and would be proud to make a small donation to continue this endeavor.
