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WikiLeaks' Julian Assange, Pt. 1

September 4, 2011 5:00 PM

Julian Assange, the controversial founder of WikiLeaks, speaks to Steve Kroft about the U.S. attempt to indict him on criminal charges and the torrent of criticism aimed at him for publishing classified documents.

WikiLeaks' Julian Assange

60 Minutes OverTimeJulian Assange: The 60 Minutes Interview

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by artk September 8, 2011 8:43 PM EDT
As a young air force officer in the Vietnam War era I was told by my
commander, "You are an idealist with realist tendencies. I like that". I would
characterize Julian Assange as a realist with idealist tendencies. I do not
believe his views are conspiratorial at all. Conspiratorialists are crackpots; Assange's view that governments ( and certainly our own ) hide their true intentions with lies and routinely cover up inconvenient facts which should be made public is indisputable. It has become so obvious that it is often possible to make guesses that are closer to the truth than official pronouncements. I am reminded that in the 1950's and even later the big knock on the Russians was that they never told their poeple the truth as opposed to our own open and forthcoming system. You don't hear that so much anymore; it is too embarassing.

Kroft says of Bradley Manning, "People in the United States think he is a
traitor." That is a very inclusive statement and it is also inaccurate. Many
may think so but for my money the real traitors are the liars who drove this
country into yet another stupid war.

Assange's revelations are described as "dangerous information". The
deliberate misinformation asserted but the Bush administration in the rushup to the Iraq war has proven to be far more dangerous. In fact Assange's purpose is specifically to reduce the power of governments to lie in that manner.

You say that Assange's activities "resonate with the younger generation". I'm 70 and he rings me like a bell.
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by robluna September 6, 2011 1:25 PM EDT
While I disagree with much governments do how many wikileaks supporters would want the contents of their e-mail in boxes posted on the web, or their voice mails? In order to conduct diplomacy, conduct military operations or exist governments like individuals need to have some privacy. No constitutional right is absolute there are tests in case law such as compelling government interests and rational basis that limit any constitutional right. Ultimately this is why all speech such as yelling fire in a crowded movie theater when there is no fire is not protected speech. Wikileaks is substituting its judgement of what is best for our country for the judgement of those that have been elected. I do disagree with many decisions that have been taken especially the Iraq war, that doesn't mean I have the moral authority to intervene and sabotage the actions of my government, instead I must work to change them. People need to realize that things are not always going to work out as you believe they should, still it is incumbent on every one to keep working for a better more just world.
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by helenros September 5, 2011 10:54 AM EDT
Freedom of speech, Freedom of press. If we loss the freedom to speak, and make public the truth. We will be back under a dictatorship. We the People must stand in America. the People have the right to know the truth.
The Truman Doctrine is one of the the most over look set of laws protecting the people of America even the World. The Gov. employee are miss using the authority and power they have been hired or elected into. Many had an agreement concerning me. They hade to leave me in as hostage. Do nothing about me not getting paid. They can not be on the right side. While agree to continue one of the lognest crimes in the history of America.
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by wsegen September 5, 2011 1:06 AM EDT
Thank you 60 minutes. wikileaks is on your side, the side of freedom of press, and it's too bad more media outlets don't have the gumption to support this. i hope you will continue to follow the content of the leaks, and continue support for all whistleblowers. amen.
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by FrogRevo September 4, 2011 8:45 PM EDT
Thanks for at least reporting the story... practically everyone else is limiting speech. twitter is censoring... at least YOU PEOPLE ARE STILL JOURNALISTS AND I THANK YOU from me and on behalf of everyone who still wants the news!!!

keep up the great work
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