My writings are mostly fluff, what I consider controversial when I want to be. The works of Michael Hastings and Edward Snowden is serious stuff. My hats off to those that keep us, the American public, informed about what we have a right to know about. My condolences to the friends and family of Michael Hastings, as I can not imagine their torment during this time.
According to the Huffington Post: “NSA leaker Edward Snowden is defending his disclosure of top-secret U.S. spying programs in an online chat Monday with The Guardian, in which he rejected allegations that he is spying for the Chinese and attacked U.S. officials for calling him a traitor.
“No. I have had no contact with the Chinese government. Just like with the Guardian and the Washington Post, I only work with journalists,” he said in response to a question from The Guardian’s reporter Spencer Ackerman.”
Snowden is now on the run, reported today to be traveling from Hong Kong to Russia. Apparently he believes he’ll be safe there, but journalists are asking the question – Why does a journalist have to flee the country in order to feel safe?
The death of Michael Hastings came as a shock to the community of journalists at large, especially his friends, who all got the following e-mail below just before a the tragic car wreck that took his life. I refer to the unfortunate incident as a wreck as opposed to an accident, in lieu of extraordinary circumstances that left the body of Hastings identifiable by his dental records only.
“Hey (redacted names) — the Feds are interviewing my “close friends and associates.” Perhaps if the authorities arrive “BuzzFeed GQ,” er HQ, may be wise to immediately request legal counsel before any conversations or interviews about our news-gathering practices or related journalism issues.
Also: I’m onto a big story, and need to go off the rada[r] for a bit.
All the best, and hope to see you all soon.
Michael”
The F.B.I. denies they were investigating Hastings. I’m recording these occurrences as a matter of record. Something I can reflect on and re-visit years from now, as I don’t believe they will be isolated to this place in time. These two men, these two happenings about journalism and the question of what is treason, will make reference to these instances again.
taking note, not tweeting or posting… taking note
c-dub
