Leaks - Where's the Plumber

We live in an old home and have therefore had numerous experiences with leaky faucets.  No only is it a waste of valuable resources (water) but that annoying drip drip drip sounds is enough to drive someone insane.  For leaks, we call our plumber.  Who can we call to fix our WikiLeaks problem?

When Mr. Assange first came into the media, I had mixed feelings.  As a techno-geek I was thrilled by the ability to pull it off; as a US citizen I was embarrassed and empathetic toward our political "agents"; as a bit of a rebel at heart I was satisfied that secrets would be uncovered.  However, after much consideration I as an adult realize that some things need to remain secret.

Let's be realistic, in utopia we would all be open and free and honest.  That's not the way the global world works, it not the way anyone works.  This is not utopia and face it the general population is not all that bright.  Need I refer to the popularity of Sarah Palin and The Jersey Shore?  Hate to quote a movie, but Jack Nicholson was right "You can't handle the truth".

Sure I want transparency.  But not 100%.  Not when we are putting so many foreign government officials at risk.  It would be different, if the average citizen had a plan to accomplish the same goals without using some of the tactics employed.  The Monday morning quarterback lives.  Who among the average internet surfer is equipped to comment beyond - "Wow we are terrible and shouldn't do it".  Is that same person free of any white lie, any creative tax technique, any extra cable?

Its not black and white.  If we are so concerned about being all knowing, where is the list of attendees to Chaney's energy talks while at the White House?  Where are the banking documents?  Does anyone else find it odd that our nations security secrets are devulged prior to the secrets of our financial institutions?  Money talks.

My faucets continue to leak, water is being wasted, the noise is making me crazy and the plumber continues to deflate my wallet.  Aren't our government officials being wasted?  Are you sick of all the internet noise regarding these leaks?  How much is it going to cost to fix the damage that is being done?  We need a extra strength plumber.

Scared of Leaks

As someone who has been plagued by leaky faucets and a leaky roof, I can honestly say that leaks scare me.  But those aren't the kind of leaks frightening me today. Today, I am referring to leaks by whistleblowers.

I recently discovered a site called Wikileaks.com which is apparently a platform for whistleblowers, journalists and activists (just about anyone) to publish sensitive material to the public.  It's a little embarrassing that this site has been around for many years and I am just finding it.

At first I was intrigued but skeptical, thinking it just another  "conspiracy-theory" type outlet.  But in reading some of the articles I am becoming less skeptical.  I am a fan of transparency, specifically when it refers to the actions of our government.  But I have to add that I am frightened about what I will see.

It is easy to pass judgement about a decision after the decision was made.  It is even easier to close one's eyes and assume that the world is working as it should, with everyone making the right and just decisions.  But how do you do that when a site is available exposing corruption and lies and basically laying out the dirty laundry for all to see?  I hate to admit it but I would have preferred this pandora's box to have remained closed and for me to continue as an ostrich hiding my head.

Then I drum up some courage and realize this is a public service.  A way to potentially help the average Joe who goes out on a limb to uncover a morally wrong or illegal activity.  Maybe a way to uncover fiscal irresponsibility before that irresponsibility takes down Wall Street.

I have book marked this page with the hopes of learning and understanding more about the world I live in.   More knowledge should help me make better decisions about organizations and politicians that I support.  Let's hope I gain insight without freakin' out and joining some obscure anti-government regime.  Check it out.