Gordon Clay here. It's important to protect whistle-blowers. These are patriots who see the law being broken from the inside.
Then there are those who follow "The Condition of Anonymity" way. All of the following were stated in U.S.A. Today recently:
"The bulletin, marked "for official use only," was obtained by The Associated Press." "The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive material" "A senior defense official said Friday" "U.S. officials said..." "...two senior officials said..." and similer statements plaque reports coming out of Washington. It seems like more news comes from anoynomous sources than from those with the correct information and the responsibility to divulge only those portions that have been declassified.
This is usually information that has not been made public so journalists can get a scoop and the informant can probably surplant their addiction to alcohol without paying out of their own pocket. Regardless of their position in our government, these people are not patriots. They are criminals and should be treated as such. And maybe even unconscious spys. I call them "Walkers" for those who know the TV show Brothers & Sisters. They aren't to be trusted.
No wonder Obama let very few people know about the plans in Pakistan. Did you notice, after the deed had been done, how many stories came out well before the press conference. These leaks came from potentially very dangerous people.
Luckily for our SEALS and everyone involved in this mission, we had men and women who could be trusted. It's time to find out who the un-trustworthy ones are and remove them before they reveal other important operations before the world has the "need-to-know."
Found after the above show was recorded from Huff Post bin Laden's diary story on 5/11/11.
"They described the intelligence to The Associated Press only on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk publicly about what was found in bin Laden's hideout."
"Those officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss matters of intelligence."
"...two officials said."
For the 051811 Huff Post story click "Robert Gates, Mike Mullen To Bin Laden Raid Leakers: Stop Talking"