Traveling through the BDL airport in Windsor Locks, CT, the echoes of the director of homeland security’s speech resonated in the crowded TSA Precheck line. His words, urging citizens to speak up if they see something suspicious, struck a chord within me. For nearly two decades, Julian Assange has been doing just that – shedding light on government secrets and exposing corruption through WikiLeaks.
The US government’s indictment of Julian Assange, accusing him of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, raises critical questions about freedom of speech and government accountability. Assange’s commitment to transparency and journalism should be protected under the First Amendment, yet he faces prosecution for daring to reveal classified information that exposed government misconduct and human rights abuses.
In a society where the people’s freedom and liberty should be paramount, we must address the dangerous double standard that exists. While citizens are held accountable to strict standards, the government often operates with impunity, shielding corrupt officials and concealing the truth from the public.
Julian Assange’s actions stand as a poignant reminder of the power of journalism to hold the powerful to account and safeguard our liberties. By uncovering government abuses and shining a light on hidden truths, Assange has become a target of state persecution. However, his courage in the face of adversity exemplifies the importance of speaking out against injustice, even when it comes at great personal cost.
When government officials urge us to “see something, say something,” we must exercise caution and discernment. True threats to national security come not from whistleblowers like Assange, but from unchecked government power, gross misinformation, and the erosion of our civil liberties. In a democracy, the duty of a real journalist is to challenge authority, expose corruption, and empower the public with knowledge.
As citizens of a democratic society, we are often told that government abuses and lies that hurt its citizens should not be tolerated. And indeed, in a just and fair society, such actions should not be allowed to persist. It is the duty of the government to serve its people, protect their rights, and ensure their well-being. However, what happens when the government itself becomes the perpetrator of injustice and deceit?
In the case of Julian Assange, the government’s attempt to suppress his voice and punish him for revealing uncomfortable truths raises profound moral and ethical questions. If the government itself is found guilty of abuses and lies that harm its citizens, is it not the duty of a conscientious society to confront and challenge such injustices? Should we remain silent in the face of corruption at the highest levels of power, or should we demand transparency, accountability, and justice?
The protection of freedom and liberty should be the highest priority in any democracy. When the government operates with gross double standards and works against the interests of its own people, it is not only anti-liberty but also anti-democratic. The erosion of civil rights and the suppression of dissent pose a grave threat to the very foundation of our society.
As we navigate a world where freedom is often at odds with security, we must remember that our rights as citizens should never be sacrificed on the altar of fear. Julian Assange’s plight powerfully underscores the critical importance of fiercely defending freedom and liberty and standing for the truth. The government may attempt to silence dissent and conceal its misdeeds, but as vigilant citizens, it is our duty to ensure that transparency, accountability, and justice prevail.
We stand with Julian Assange in his quest for truth and justice. Let us heed his example and continue to speak out against oppression, championing the values of freedom and liberty that lie at the heart of a democratic society. The time to act is now – if we see something amiss, we must have the courage to say something, for the future of our democracy depends on it.
Dr. Aaron Lewis, March 1, 2024