So the NYT has taken on the role of deciders-in-chief, regarding what is truly in America’s national interest. And their decision: it is more important that Americans know the details of an anti-terrorism program (one that breaks no laws whatsoever) than it is to keep the details from the terrorists, who will surely exploit their newfound intelligence.
Of course, as we’ve seen time and time again, the “right to know” is premised on the right to know what the Times wants you to know about, and what they want you to know about is how much of a failure the Bush administration has been.
So while the NYT’s stated justification for jeopardizing our security is America’s right to know, the underlying reason is their right to attack the Bush administration. As the Times appears to see it, sacrificing the security of every man, woman, and child in America is necessary collateral damage in their war against Bush. How ironic this is, given that the collateral damage caused by U.S. forces has become a regular focal point in the media’s anti-Bush coverage.