Have any of you actually read many of the leaks direct from the source? The vast majority are quite boring and the occasional 'scoops' presented by the media should be no surprise to any but the least informed. If anything, they are evidence against the vast evil west conspiracies that many of you rant on about on this forum. This info is a blow to the US diplomatic efforts and an embarrassment to the intelligence community so I can understand their anger, but I'm glad it has been leaked due to my own curiosity. However, Assange has more to worry about than the people in the US he has pissed off. There are a large number of dangerous people mentioned in these leaks and many are outside the public spotlight of the western world. As a previous poster stated, he made his bed...what did he expect?

Robert McClelland is quoted in a Crikey article today as saying that "a discussion might need to take place" between national security, law enforcement authorities and the media about publishing Wikileaks material in Australia.

Already mainstream media have refrained from providing links to the cables. If you want to see them you have to find overseas news sites and blogs.

Students at Columbia University have been emailed by the State Dept. and warned that any commentary they post on social websites such as Twitter and Facebook about the cables may affect their employment opportunities in government positions when they graduate.

And today the calls for Assange's death have increased in the USA, from senior Republicans.

Still there are no objections to these death threats from any of our politicians.

Stezza, people who stick their necks out and take risks most of us can't even contemplate frequently bring good change to the world.
Yeah, they make their own beds, etc. But a lot of them have also made our beds a whole lot better to sleep in.
Nobody deserves to die because they reveal the lies of others.

Wilson says:

//Right or wrong, Julian Assange is an Australian citizen and deserves to be protected by the government.//

Sorrrrry...I have no sympathy for one who tries to create global tension and undermine security. He tied his noose...now he can hang in it.

We are under no obligation to protect evil-doers.

I mostly agree with you brair rose, I am a strong believer in free press etc. and do not have a problem with the press publishing the info. I have found it a bit annoying having to find new addresses for the wikileaks data. Does anyone have the downloadable version?

If I was to piss off Hi Jintao, Putin or even the Pope, I would expect repercussions, and this guy has probably pissed off all three, why focus on US republicans? Do you really think the Aus gov can do anything about it?

Al
Can't let that one go...sorry. How is Assange an evil-doer? You are the one constantly posting links to expose corruption and dishonesty. Surely the people (us) deserve to be dealt with honestly and openly without lies and spin - we are all part of the world not subjects to would-be 'holders of the crown' (so to speak).

The real evil is in deception hidden behind a veil of secrecy. Let the truth set you free - Assange is not making political commentary, Wikileaks is a journalistic site which publishes information handed to it. You are capable of drawing your own conclusions.

I can understand some of the angst about Wikileaks but only because it embarrasses those who partake, foster and perpetuate these game plays.