Julian Assange: Why WikiLeaks Is Taking on the Pentagon

Complete video at: fora.tv/2010/10...
Why is WikiLeaks releasing documents from the U.S. government, when there is no shortage of corruption elsewhere in the world? Editor-in-chief Julian Assange regards it as an issue of trust, explaining that he considers it the website's responsibility to publish any classified information likely to have a significant impact -- regardless of diplomatic origins.
For related videos, visit WikiLeaks: Security Threat or Media Savior? A FORA.tv Series: fora.tv/series/...
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Following the leak by whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks of almost 400,000 secret US army field reports from the Iraq war between 2004 and 2009, tune in to hear Julian Assange at the Frontline Club in conversation with one of the most famous whistle blowers in history, Daniel Ellsberg, who was responsible for the leak of the Pentagon Papers in 1971.
Julian Assange is an Australian journalist, programmer and Internet activist, best known for his involvement with Wikileaks, a whistleblower website.
Daniel Ellsberg is a political commentator and activist. A former U.S. military analyst employed by the RAND Corporation, Ellsberg sparked a national controversy in 1971 when he released the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times.

[@anthonyww713]

It is sad when telling the truth becomes a crime

[@renaudldw88]

What a brave man he is!

[@PureLiberalFire]

Go Wikileaks! Long live the exposure and publication of TRUTH!

[@Orf]

1:15 Philosophically this movement takes it's heart from the American revolution

[@IntuitiveMediums]

Well, it may be hard for you to believe, but some people think American has "lost it's way". People dont hate America. People hate false power, ignorant pride and corrupt institutions. America is just the best at "everything", including being corrupt

[@unab84]

Go Assange! The free world is with you.

[@lanceawatt]

The man will go down in history as a complete fucking legend.

[@ThePinkrose14]

He is the most down to earth human being I have ever seen!!!! so poised and totally in control.Thank you for your caring about WE THE PEOPLE all humanity.

[@adastraperaspera99]

Julian Assange and Wikileaks deserves the Nobel Peace Prize FAR MORE than Obama ever could. As least Assange helped reveal war crimes to the rest of the world.

[@IRosamelia]

because nobody else is as brave as Julian.

[@dazintheoven]

@cedroxan "Assange is the next Noble peace prize for sure." Talk Sense. Don't you know only war criminals win peace prizes??!

[@blackiron60]

The Pentagon is one of the "darkest corners of the world".

[@IntuitiveMediums]

you dont get it. The only reason anyone in uniform would be in any danger is because we have been systematically creating enemies with our retarded foreign policy.

[@ComaToast1]

Fuckin oath mate spot on

[@IntuitiveMediums]

@joshya3 thanks for the heads up on the @thing. But this is all I can do from my mobile device fornow. I'm sure you are correct in many ways but it's just hard for me to support a lot of our military actions. Retaliation is imminent whether our classified documents are released. I feel like wikileaks is one of the only media sources which is not biased. When the US gets embarrassed by assange, Who is at fault but the government which created the embarrassing statistics?

[@freesk8]

Assenge is my hero.

[@IntuitiveMediums]

I consider him a publisher first and foremost. as for the realeases creating chaos. The opposite of Chaos is Control. The Truth is chaotic. Keeping secrets only prolongs the illusionary control. The Us government has irrational good intentions. He does not want chaos, and he does not believe that governments should be secret-free! Better yet he is providing an outlet for people on the inside who witness abuse of power. And sadly, I believe the US will be the ones to execute him.

[@censored6x]

to mail checks for the julian assange defense fund, u can use this address: Finers Stephens Innocent LLP 179 Great Portland Street London W1W 5LS o/c the usa is doing everything possible 2 see that he does not get a defense, so usa banks may not process the checks. its illegal to try to stop a defense for swedish charges that dont relate 2 the usa, but legality is of no concern 2 the am. gov. even if the usa wont send the money, yr check shows support & usa attempts to interfere w his trial

[@IntuitiveMediums]

Assange's founding intentions stem from the American Revolution. And our Corporate media calls him Anti-American! Its laughable that the majority of Americans don't see that we have Lost our Way. This world is not perfect but we should not be an instigative power. Our resources our too thin to be wasting them on false security. I prefer going to way the right way. Declaring war through congress with the consent of the people. Anything else puts American Citizens at risk!

[@01000001011100100111]

@kalimeraHellas Wikileaks is very pro-government, it doesn't prove anything of the sort. If it proves anything, it's that lack of transparency leads to corruption, not authority in any form.

[@IntuitiveMediums]

OK Cool. Well it was good sharing opinions without name calling. It just seems like we see it different ways. Thanks for sharing your point of view. Peace for Now

[@IntuitiveMediums]

@mrjoshya3 ever considered that your American media diet has helped you believe that it takes courage and clarity to do what we do!

[@merdufer]

@jshjamaar Organizations, like people, deserve certain degree of privacy. However, as an organization that is supposed to be responsible for the people, the government hides a lot more than we should feel comfortable about. I'm not defending what Julian does as "right", but I'm grateful somebody like him exists in the world. This is a fight between two organizations that can only benefit those who are not involved.

[@gopio9]

@Tasiopoulos95 Not really if they didnt do anything wrong they have nothing to fear he is not using this power for evil its more like he takes pics of the boss doing inappropriate acts than gives it to whoever he supervises allowing them to have control nothing wrong with a transparent government and you always have a choice its your life not theres

[@cormacrussellmusic]

@Tasiopoulos95 If gunning down innocent aid workers is 'making an income for their families', perhaps they should consider a less murderous profession. Just in case you fail to understand what I'm referring to, you could perhaps watch the leaked video that Bradley Manning issued to Assange. Manning is currently rotting in a isolated cell in America.

[@MustacheVerra]

@winterstellar Hahaha! Actually, I'm not sure exactly what it mean(shame on me lol). But i see everybody use the word and i got a pretty good idea what means. I think it refers to people who defend the authority or something like that. I know I'm close enough. Anyway, glad to know you're not a shill... what ever that means. ;)

[@MustacheVerra]

@13otany13ay Why? Because it's OK to bash the US but don't even think about criticizing Israel. You see, the US is own by Israel and they had a lot of PR problem lately. They are essentially losing the battle for public opinion. Assange's role is to divert your attention. And probably worse in the long run.

[@tonyjohnbradley]

We need to start working with basic needs (growing food locally, planting food forests, starting canning clubs, local biological water treatment, mycoremediation) and sharing our surpluses with one another. Either try not to be involved in the money system or create your own local currency. Share!

[@aSingleDallasGuy]

@tstruss912 ..... So say you. Show me where that is in writing. That makes it easier to get him on espinage as he is not a us citizen. He certainly is not a reporter. Case closed dummy.

[@bob75ify]

@peaceonearth002 Its funny how you are twisting my words. I just said if he was a US citizen he would be executed for treason, I never said that I wanted to nail him.

[@Tasiopoulos95]

@Mrguitarmaninthesky Also I really don't care that I don't understand it because I don't watch Assange's movies religiously and he hasn't turned me into a fool like you

[@swinewarrior]

@ogrish84you come across like one A subtle way to hide your own desires is decry an innocent of your own perversions ...........dont worry dreams can come............. true happy new year

[@Orf]

3:20 ****What Wikileaks publishes. NEWSWORTHY MATERIAL

[@gopio9]

i would love to volunteer for this man and his organization life is too fucking short to do nothing and let shit crumble infront of you

[@jawgraphy]

Why are they blinking so much?

[@pisanghangus]

why bother to advertise? the intrusive advertisement actually irritates people enough to hate the company advertised...

[@tommyplastino]

Modern Hero! Only because he is spreading the truth: something that journalist and news media will not do.

[@MrJoshya3]

oh don't use the @ symbol (I had to figure this out too no biggie) it doesn't work on youtube anymore :/

[@jx14aby]

I haven't been surprised by a single thing leaked. Get me some info from israel, iran, or north korea.

[@MustacheVerra]

@LeLimeLine What is that suppose to mean?

[@elsquibbs]

@SurferRosa79 Except maybe the guy he got the info from, who will probably be in jail the rest of his life.

[@winterstellar]

@MustacheVerra What's a "shill"? Damn, I guess I answered you question there..I am an idiot. Hehe. Cheers! : )

[@GrifterUno]

Is not about him. It's about information. Remember, Knowledge is power and information is key!!!

[@winterstellar]

@MustacheVerra Wow, some people are so paranoid they'll think EVERYBODY is some "evil conspirator":)

[@simonty1811]

"Busting swiss bank" freudian slip? Perhaps the upcoming leaks involves a swiss bank?

[@Danny022479]

Julian Assange knows more about Americans then Americans know about themselves.

[@swinewarrior]

What about the poor guy that leaked it He has been in lock-down for 9 months

[@sandysuicide]

All the Americans kissing Assange's ass makes me sick. Don't forget the real hero, Bradly Manning, who made this all possible and may very well have given his natural life up for the cause.

[@susancliff1599]

i don't think many 'forget' Chelsea Manning's contribution or what she has been through. i sure that she would not want Julian to continue to be punished too.

[@Nebontha]

@AcruxSolus You would be scared too if you were in his position...

[@MustacheVerra]

@Hkhan23 Hahaha! It's good to see somebody awaken around here. ;)

[@ferrozm]

@swinewarrior I choose to live in Western countries because of freedom, freedom which the troops DO NOT PROTECT.

[@Hkhan23]

@MustacheVerra thank you , finally somebody with a brain

[@AmerikanPatriot]

@StevenE93 So, what you're saying is, with the 9/11 terrorists for example; that we have to wait until the consequences of their actions have taken place rather than pre-empt them? I hope you are not in any position of authority, no-one would be safe.

[@VOUXE]

A fucking martyr . Julian is our messiah .

[@Orf]

0:07

[@gopio9]

@Tasiopoulos95 Why do you say that?

[@111imstupid111]

@chooseanothernick the cia more so

[@mlindenigumede7598]

The Grandmaster

[@stlkngyomom]

50 Bradley Mannings next year.100 year after...Just the thought of it...

[@MrJoshya3]

hahah you too man :)

[@THEHARMONIKZ]

The War ( invasin,bunder) was/is, a disaster! - Who Knew? >>

[@tommyplastino]

@letstalkaboutstuff Amen.

[@ferrozm]

HERO!!

[@swinewarrior]

yip

[@theystoleitfromus]

@madiovich Single and from Dallas - where's the surprise?

[@randysahustlerbaby]

lololol, norway gives out the nobel peaceprize, they would never give that prize to an enemy of USA

[@iTellYouNoLie]

because the rest of the press hasn't been doing their job! >:P

[@Orf]

4:19

[@beancube2010]

@Mrguitarmaninthesky While the lesser evils have numbers and majority of power, they have to leak those more evil. Otherwise, the more evil will turn you, the lesser evil, into their scapegoats. That is how the game work. You don't want this become a "too late" for you instead for them. You must learn how to evolve and be intelligent to us your number.

[@letherden]

@cedroxan you must be joking? you think the nobel committee who gave the award to kissinger and obama will give it to assange? that prize was coopted 40 years ago... as for the alternative nobel prize, the norwegian right livelihood award, i think it's a GREAT idea! lets nominate him!

[@thefalloa]

@kaxitaksi BLASPHEMY... blasphemy is sin...blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is unforgivable sin...MATT12:31-32...MARK3:28-29....JESUS IS THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD ...WE ARE THE ONES LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS....REVELATIONS IS BEING FULFILLED NOW.....REPENT...JESUS COMES SOON....

[@mrjdgibbs]

@blackiron60 one of the darkest 5 corners of the world.

[@winterstellar]

@MustacheVerra Okay, I'm not all that into american politics and stuff.. But isn't Assange more of a liberal european kinda guy? I find it strange for him to be on any american establishment's pay-roll.. But anyway, time to hit the sack for me. Maybe we'll talk!: )

[@MrJoshya3]

Service members O.o, Covert Operatives, two women in Norway O.o lmao haha

[@mowgly3000]

@retepvosnul Jesus din't have a good publisher and multimillion dollar book deal

[@dunndudebemelol]

@winterstellar your just trying to hide the fact you are one ;)

[@drealm]

@renaudldw88 He's a self serving sex addict, but entertaining none the less.

[@vikitheviki]

I think he's jesus.. ;)

[@Tasiopoulos95]

@gopio9 He plays the 'Evil Card' on so many people, ie. USMC and other military/intelligence organisations when all they're doing is what they've been instructed to do. They don't exactly have a choice, they're just making an income for their families like you or I. Assange goes around exposing their work and gaining a bad reputation for them just to raise controversy and gain recognition out of selfishness.

[@Bodorio]

If an idea like wikileaks would get the nobel peace prize, I would vomit on the spot. Read hitchens article on assange please...

[@bob75ify]

@peaceonearth002 And they have a right to call him a traitor. Revealing a nations secrets is ok to a point, but what hes doing can also potentialy put soldiers lives at risk. What if it was war, and he discovered a secret attack on the Taliban, and he released it on WikiLeaks, and it was seen by the Taliban and they ambushed them and killed them or killed them in their camp because they gave away their location?

[@susancliff1599]

the US tried to find evidence of harm caused to people as a result of wikileaks revelations, they were unable to find any. so your argument does not stand up in the real world.

[@tropicaljantie]

bottomline : how will his actions help the more restrictive governments in the world to open up ?

[@susancliff1599]

how will the actions of the US & UK against Assange help restrictive governments to 'open up'?

[@zyrtec3]

Let me ask a question here - what is the model world or civilisation for J.A.? What reality is he dreaming of? What are his constructive beliefs? To me at this point it's hypocritical utopia to aim for world where "everyone knows everything". I DO NOT want to know everything and I do strongly oppose those, who push me to learn things, which are not any of my business. Aren't his actions fighting "powers" with his "POWER"? To me it's cheap. Tell me WHY is he doing that? I'd appreciate!

[@xw213xlastname8]

Because, in a sense, it is your duty to know things. As mister Assange said, the world is connected hence we are not supposed to live in our cocoons not ever knowing what's happening to our fellow human beings - whether it be your neighbor or somebody across the globe. There are dominant interests in the top echelons of our society that are functioning because we are ignorant. Only when we know what's going on that we can act. So some kind of knowledge is necessary to defend our interests. Nobody else is going to do it. However, we are cognitively limited so the notion of us knowing everything is absurd. Nobody expects from you to know everything, but to know enough so you can form your views based on knowledge and not ignorance. This benefits you and the whole of society. Every power system ever tries to promote a status quo or expand its dominance. Lately, the war has transposed to the domain of information and platforms like the internet where, presumably, there can be a free flow of information that can potentially harm the aforementioned power systems. In order to keep their status intact they are driven by motives to undermine such platforms through various tactics. For instance, data gathering trough Facebook and more broadly Google. I can only speak for myself, but I don't want somebody to know what I am eating at a particular moment in my life. Media, large corporations, largely distort information because they are answering to a certain concentrated interest, namely, their stakeholders, owners and whoever buys the space for advertising - mainly other large corporations. Freedom of the press is effectively cut because you can't publish a document that's going to undermine your owner. This is a matter of simple logic. What Wikileaks is doing is removing the bias and spreading the truth in the name of a better world for you, for me and for our children. I think mister Assange is motivated by justice and I respect him for that. Interests vested in the state and big corporations aren't the interests of the general public and if they were really reflecting our interests they would proceed their work in a transparent matter, but that is not the case - they are defending their interests. I write this because it's important to understand how the world works before you can judge whether you want to be actively engaged in knowing things. Would you want a world where we make irrational and impulsive decisions about the future? Presumably no. Would you want the world where the majority's interests are being looked over for those of a few? Presumably no. But, that is the world we are living in and if we are going to change it we have to be informed. There's nothing utopian about this.

[@paddymaguire1703]

@@xw213xlastname8 An excellent post, thanks!

[@MrJoshya3]

Well i respectfully disagree about Assange having anything to do with the character of the founding fathers. Personally, i hope he gets what he deserves. The man endangered countless lives to further his own agenda, plus he allegedly raped two women. (yes he's a real hero *sarcasm*)

[@susancliff1599]

i would hazard a guess that you really have not reseached the truth of what has happened but are relying on what you have seen or heard from the media for your opinion. although the US tried to find lives actually harmed by wikileaks revelations they were unable to find any. as for the rape allegations, there is a long & twisted story around those but the fact is that initially neither of the ladies involved claimed rape, the police decided to do that & that initial claim was dismissed by the original prosecutor. it was later resurfaced by a second prosecutor, by then Assange had been allowed to freely leave Sweden & from there the twists & turns of the politics of the issue would require more time than i have to explain. either way, he is Not being extradited because of that allegation.

[@pussnuts]

@tarjay35 Indeed, Sadam and the Talaban were villans on a massive level. It freaks me out that people forget that.

[@susancliff1599]

i for one (and i doubt if i'm alone) do not forget that. but governments & media who claim to support freedom & democracy being allowed to act as they have been shown to by wikileaks revelations, is to my mind much more scary.