Thursday, July 07, 2005

Patrick Fitzgerald, a hero for our time

It’s been said that no one ever won a war with the press. That is why it takes nerves of steel to do what Patrick Fitzgerald has done, jail a journalist for contempt of court. You can be sure he will pay for this for the rest of his career. But it was the right thing to have done. Judy Miller’s defenders would have us believe that anonymous sources are an essential part of journalism. The myth is that anonymous sources are brave whistle blowers providing essential information. The truth is that they are more likely to be character assasins and vectors of misinformation.The decision jail Miller for contempt of court demonstrates that no one is above the law and that national security is more important that the narrow privileges of any group.

Others comment:
Steve Chapman On Why Miller Should Give Up Her Source
Bob Somerby: Masterworks of self interest.
Joshua Micah Marshall (not related) provides some context.

Dissenters:
Dan Gillmor: Shameful and scary
BL Ochman: a sad day for democracy.
Fred Wilson: I totally respect what she is doing.
Jay Rosen: Time for Robert Novak to Feel Some Chill

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