AmericanMonetaryAssociation.orgWikileaks founder, Julian Assange, probably feels like he kicked a hornet’s nest these days. More than a few US politicians and media mopheads believe he should be charged with treason or outright targeted for government sanctioned assassination. He certainly must have done something evil and heinous to draw that kind of ire. Well he did; he spoke the truth. Actually he only spread the truth in the form of posting messages, letters and communiques between governments, many involving the war in Iraq, and often casting a harsh light on actions undertaken by those elected or appointed to uphold the public’s trust.

The truth tends to ruffle the feathers of those with something to lose, normally money, power or both. Judging by the idiotic calls for Assange to be prosecuted or killed, it’s obvious the man hit a very sensitive nerve somewhere along the way. While the AMA doesn’t take a pro or con stance regarding the manner and method Assange chose to use Wikileaks to disseminate information, we’re firmly in favor of his constitutional right to do so. Just because the truth hurts, we should suppress it? Doesn’t it say something about freedom of speech in the Constitution somewhere?

The deeper issue before us is that the Internet is killing the old news cycle and crumbling the established power structure. It used to be easy to keep a tight rein on the what information the populace was exposed to. White House handlers printed a copy of talking points to be distributed to Brokaw, Jennings and Rather in time for the evening news and that was that. But with hundreds of alternative websites and a 24/7 news cycle, all bets are off. Trying to contain the free flow of information is like stabbing fireflies – ineffectual and largely a waste of energy.

Are we to trust our leaders that they’ll only go after “dangerous” persons, those who could damage the credibility of the United States? What about when it comes time to sound the alarm of pending hyperinflation as AMA and other monetary think tanks are doing? Will they shut us down next for speaking the truth of the inevitable result of hideous economic policy?

So we say, “Speak on, Brother Assange. Do what you have to do and godspeed.” Wikileaks is neither illegal or immoral and the only crime committed that of free speech. Scary stuff.

The American Monetary Association Team

American Monetary Association

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