It is possible that God really does exist... - by Queue
demagogue on 11/9/2013 at 10:36
For the record, I'm all for all manner of leaks, disclosures, info, what have you, on or off the record, with or without whatever documentation, even at the risk of trolling... The more info out there the better. We discriminate what's worthwhile by doing our homework on it after the fact, not cutting off the tap. But then I'm mostly in the business of following up research on undocumented rumors, which big violations usually start with.
Anyway, all the best shit coming out in the last few years has come from jaded military. I was just reminded again last night that the torture memos were leaked by JAG lawyers. Most of what we knew about GTMO, Abu Ghraib or the blacksites couldn't be documented, and it was important that info got out. Also, being a kook doesn't stop one from knowing something or having a point.
SubJeff on 11/9/2013 at 10:40
Quote Posted by dethtoll
Assuming you believe his claims of being in the military in the first place,
I really don't get why you don't believe him.
Quote Posted by dethtoll
Other stuff
So you've actually got good, nay, excellent insight into why this stuff might be sensitive. Well done. Try to think about from someone elses point of view now and you're almost there. Notwithstanding what faetal has said though, which is true CCC - if you can't prove it don't bother with it. "I gots secrets" posts are dull.
LaffyTaffy420 on 11/9/2013 at 17:16
detholl became a journalist cuz as a kid he was sexually attracted to april oneal. now he runs around south appleton going HOLY SCOOPS TEH TURTLES ARE REAL and waving around a battle axe.
I seen 'em!
CCCToad on 11/9/2013 at 23:28
Speaking of one thing too.
Also keep in mind that, very frequently, the truth about goings on is freely available through non-US media institutions. However the U.S. government will classify said information because by doing so it prevents anyone in the government from discussing the issue and allows them to simply say "it's a matter of national security" which is equivalent to "I can neither confirm nor deny".
Very good example (and in interesting read) located here:
(
http://www1.rollingstone.com/extras/RS_REPORT.pdf) http://www1.rollingstone.com/extras/RS_REPORT.pdf
Without describing specifics I can personally testify that his overall assessment is correct. In most areas of the country the Taliban is winning, yet U.S. personnel routinely report "progress". One of the most egregious examples I witnessed was when the outgoing Brigade Commander ( full bird colonel for those of you unfamiliar with US unit echelons) claimed credit for a "90% drop in violence" during my brigade's tour of duty. It was all I could do to avoid laughing out loud in front of everyone: Since we arrived during the spring, of COURSE there is going to be a massive drop in violence during the next year. It had jack-fucking shit to do with his self proclaimed "outstanding leadership" and everything to do with how Afghanistan has a "fighting season" during the war months followed by a near-halt to violence in the winter as militants bed down (or travel to Pakistan) during the winter months.
faetal on 12/9/2013 at 11:10
I agree with what Dema said. Leaking is pretty much the only hope of people knowing if the secrecy is there to protect national security or to allow the government to do horrific shit for reasons other than specified. Because there is no way to determine the different between "that's classified" and "we're making shit up" otherwise.
robthom on 10/10/2013 at 09:24
What kind of god are you looking for.
Something you can put on a slide and study under a microscope?
Eshaktaar on 10/10/2013 at 09:30
Take that, Science!
