At one time, the only source of power was the government. That's still true in places like China yet even there authoritarianism is under threat.
When confronted with the leaking of the cables at the beginning of the week, Gillard (correctly) insisted that the foundation-stone of the leaking was "an illegal act" and (wrongly) implied that Assange was therefore guilty of breaking a law, although she didn't specify which law in which jurisdiction (because she can't). Assange simply published information - just like the editor of every newspaper in Australia. Are they all to be arrested?
The truth of the matter is that the facts Dorling has unearthed are highly uncomfortable. They reflect poorly on Labor, revealing duplicity at the highest levels of our government.
Advertisement
The authoritarians would like to keep these revelations tightly locked behind closed doors, but they can't any more. That's why Justice Minister, Brendan O’Connor, was floundering yesterday when asked if Assange had broken any law.
He was unable to explain, even in the vaguest terms, what transgression may have occurred but assured the public that police are investigating.
He doesn't seem to realise that the horse has already bolted.
Discuss in our Forums
See what other readers are saying about this article!
Click here to read & post comments.
4 posts so far.