WikiLeaks

So this is obviously a hot topic of conversation lately, and it is something that really bothers me (along with many other people of course). With the recent release of all of the secret cables, along with the threat to release a "doomsday" file, WikiLeaks is causing havoc among the U.S. and its allies. It's hard to say at the moment what the long term effects of these leaks will be, but it should be obvious that there is no really good ending. Not to mention, if WikiLeaks does release the doomsday file, what could that mean for not only the U.S. but the world?

Now, I have no problem with unearthing government corruption or whistle blowers or anything like that. However, I don't believe that is what is going on here. This isn't really about Julian Assange wanting to keep America in check. This is about him wanting power, fame, and money. He has a personal vendetta against America, so he has no qualms with trying to knock us down a few pegs. But the reality is that this isn't necessarily just an embarrassment to the United States. This is could have very real, very serious global ramifications. Lives could be lost because of this leak. At the very least, it creates a lot more tension between both allies and enemies.

Best case scenario: Everyone understands that this is just the reality of diplomacy, and while they may make noise about it, most countries will just continue on as usual. The worst thing that happens is that trust in the U.S. decreases in other countries.

Worst case scenario: War. Not necessarily between the major global players, but this could set off issues in the Middle East or North Korea. Terrorist attacks are also a very real possibility. Assange could potentially hand over not just a hit list to the terrorists, but a battle cry to rally others to their cause. This is a possibility that needs to be considered, as it is unclear as to what WikiLeaks really knows and will release.

Who in their right mind would risk such a terrible outcome? And for what purpose? Is Assange really changing anything or liberating us from our government's shady way of doing business? No. Any reasonable person understands that sometimes the government has to act "shady" regarding foreign policy especially. I don't think that it is a good thing for people to know everything that the government is doing. It risks too many lives.

So that brings us to why is he doing this? Like I said, Julian Assange is at best a madman, and worst a cold-hearted killer. He only cares about himself and his own priorities. He wouldn't bat an eyelash at the possibility of innocent people dying because of his desire for power and fame. So is he an idiot or is he evil? I think he's both. And I pray that he doesn't do too much damage with his arrogant, selfish ways.