OPINION:
I am disgusted by the fake outrage expressed by the Obama administration over the publishing of leaked documents (“White House blasts Wikileaks for documents leak,” Web, News, Monday).
The White House had advance knowledge that these documents would be published. Then it released a statement that it “strongly condemns the disclosure of classified information by individuals and organizations which could put the lives of Americans and our partners at risk.” The White House says the secret military documents released by Wikileaks reveal names, operations, logistics and sources involved in the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan.
New York Times Washington bureau chief Dean Baquet told the Upshot blog Sunday night that the White House did not ask the paper to hold off on publishing the documents.
“I did in fact go the White House and lay out for them what we had,” Mr. Baquet said. “We did it to give them the opportunity to comment and react. They did. They also praised us for the way we handled it, for giving them a chance to discuss it, and for handling the information with care. And for being responsible.”
The White House then took pains to point out that the documents describe a period from January 2004 to December 2009, mostly during the administration of President George W. Bush.
So lives at stake be damned. President Obama went right along with the publishing of these documents for a few political points. While he was able to squeeze out some fake outrage, he couldn’t pass up yet another “it’s Bush’s fault” moment.
DAVID ALLEN
Mitchell, Ind.
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