27 November 2010

Wikileaks Molestation

[Congressional Record: November 17, 2010 (Senate)]
[Page S7934-S7946]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr17no10-182]                         

    FDA FOOD SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued

  Mr. BOND.

  In addition, I wish to address an obvious problem--leaks. I have 
already made reference to some of the more disastrous leaks that 
occurred during my tenure, but unfortunately, these were just the tip 
of the iceberg. There are simply too many to list. I shudder to think 
about the sources and methods that have been disclosed, and the lives 
that will likely be lost, as a result of the obscene amount of 
classified information compromised by Wikileaks. Of course, to call 
this a leak case is gross mischaracterization; it is more like a tidal 
wave.
  We are blessed with our open society and our many freedoms. However, 
our ability to protect these freedoms and preserve our national 
security depends upon our ability to keep our secrets safe.
  This problem needs a multifaceted solution. We must first deter and 
neutralize the leakers. There should be significant criminal, civil, 
and administrative sanctions that can be imposed on leakers. Leakers 
should face significant jail time, pay heavy fines, forfeit any 
profits, lose their pensions, and be fired from their jobs. We should 
also not allow the first amendment to be used as a shield for criminal 
activity. It should be a crime to knowingly solicit a person to reveal 
classified information for an unauthorized purpose or to knowingly 
publish or possess such information. Leaks will not stop until a 
significant number of leakers have been appropriately punished.