Shield Laws

Well, the supers declined to issue Judith Miller and Matt Cooper get out of jail free cards. I don't know if this will further the investigation of the Plame affair, but nobody but the press seems very sympathetic. I know I'm not.

Washington Monthly founding editor Charlie Peters issued a plea for Cooper on Kevin Drum's Political Animal. His plea was met with an almost unanimous storm of protest in the comments section, which I recommend. Not only did he argue an unpopular cause, he also argued it very badly, e.g.
Matt is not only a fine reporter, he is a caring husband and father, a kind and thoughtful friend, and an all-round good citizen. And he has a marvelous sense of humor.

...If you agree, please write Judge Thomas Hogan appealing for a merciful sentence. Do not tell the judge he’s wrong about the law. Just concentrate on Matt’s personal character and family situations, explaining why he should not be put in jail.
There may or may not be good reasons not to jail Cooper, but these not only aren't them, they strike at the foundation of the idea of the rule of law. Peters also caught a bit of flack for ignoring Judith Miller, presumeably because she lacks Matt's self-deprecating sense of humor.

I lean toward the lock-them-up in GITMO till they squeal theory, myself.

If we ever should pass shield law for the press, I strongly believe it should be very clearly delimited, protecting only those who are exposing governmental or other mischief - and especially not those who are committing the mischief.

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