From a selection of letters to the public editor regarding NYT's handling of the domestic surveillance story, here's an interesting if somewhat contrived legal question for you to consider:
It is sweetly ironic to hear the editors' claim that information cannot be shared with you (and us) lest the reporters' sources and methods be compromised and leakers be revealed for possible negative repercussions, in this case prosecutions.
Isn't that the same basic explanation given by the administration for its secrecy?
How is it acceptable for the paper to keep certain information secret, especially if obtained illegally, to protect sources and methods, but for the government to do so is somehow un-American?
