What is the official rules and regulations on leaking?

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   jackclee lmposted 7 years ago

   Recent revelations about people in our government is very disturbing.
   Especially in the top ranks of the FBI...it seems leaking information to the press is a common practice and acceptable. I would like to know what is the official position on this.
   Is it breaking any rules or law to leak government secrets to the press and what are the penalties if any?
   It seems to me we need clear directions here or else we will have more of these revelations and it is not healthy...
   There should be official channels for whistleblowers to pursue. Leaking anonymously seems wrong on many fronts.

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      jackclee lmposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Here is one example...
      https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/na … df760dcfe6

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         jackclee lmposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         And we also know Comey leaked to the NYT via a friend at Columbia U.

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   Live to Learnposted 7 years ago

   Personally, I think the government needs to be more open. I'm not a fan of secrets. So, I'm averse to setting stringent rules.

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      jackclee lmposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I am for open government as well. That is why I support FOIA...

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      PrettyPantherposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, one person's "leaking" can be another person's "Whistle blowing."

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         jackclee lmposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         No, whistleblowing is separate. It is an official recourse to expose corruption and there are specific laws in place to protect the whistleblower against reprisals.
         Leaking is done by someone who has an agenda and wants to influence public opinion and policies by staying anonymous and off the record.
         I despise leakers because they are doing a disservice to the many hard working people in government.
         The whistleblower are patriots because they are willing to sacrifice their career for the public good.
         Two very different things.

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            PrettyPantherposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, I know they are two different things, but sometimes they differ in the eye of the beholder.  For example, some people view Edward Snowden as a hero; others view him as a traitor.

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               jackclee lmposted 7 years agoin reply to this

               Snowden is an interesting case. He is a hero in my book because of his revelation to expose abuse by the NSA, at his own detriment. However, I still believe he should have gone the traditional route of whistleblower. Instead, he went rogue and ended up in Russia...our adverasary.

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         Live to Learnposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         I view any I've viewed as whistle blowers. Even if I wish the info was never shared.
         
         If you would be embarrassed for others to know something. Don't do it. That goes for individuals, corporations and governments.

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            PrettyPantherposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Sometimes it's not embarrassment that warrants something beomg secret.  Sometimes it's a security issue.
            
            Generally speaking, though, I agree with you.  It's just that there are always exceptions.

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