The more I learn about Julian Assange, the more I like Terry Jones.
They're both inconsiderate, irresponsible idiots in my book, though each started with good intentions and the belief that his actions were righteous and courageous. But Jones had the grace to back off when he saw that his Koran-burning threat stunt was endangering innocent lives around the world. Assange is using the threat of further, more dangerous WikiLeaks revelations to fend off prosecution on, among other things, rape charges.
There is a place for whistle-blowing, and shedding light in dark places sometimes requires great courage and controversial actions. But if you want to be a hero rather than a two-bit blackmailer, it’s wise to break no more laws—civil and moral—than absolutely necessary.
One who lays his life on the line for the sake of others may be a hero, but the sacrifice of other people’s lives, even for a great cause, is a less clear path. That’s why the right to make such decisions is generally given to regulated, designated authorities, like the military or police forces. Being made up of human beings, they may make disastrous mistakes, and can be corrupted, but on the whole they are safer holders of that power than unregulated, untrained individuals and mobs. There’s a good reason vigilante action is feared—and illegal.
