A brilliant column from NRO regarding the recent MSM press leaks (does anyone still believe they want us to WIN this war?). The Times, along with the Los Angeles Times (which also rejected a government request not to publish) and the Wall Street Journal, ran stories exposing the program. Yes, the public was being protected. Yes, terrorists trying to kill Americans were being brought to heel. Yes, it appears the program is legal. And yes, it appears the Bush administration made various accommodations out of respect for international opinion and privacy concerns. Despite all that, New York Times executive editor Bill Keller concluded that “the administration’s extraordinary access to this vast repository of international financial data, however carefully targeted use of it may be, is a matter of public interest.” What an arrogant, snooty commentary this is on the NYT itself, as an entity. So consumed are they, so vested in the collapse of the Bush Administration, that they are putting our secret anti-terrorist programs on the front page time and time again. The NYT, the LA Times, and the Washington Post are the chief offenders, in this case the Wall Street Journal is also guilty. Big Media has unparalleled influence in this nation. With that influence comes responsibility, and they typically wield it like the proverbial bull wields its body in a China shop. It's time we started prosecuting those that leak classified information (and give up on chasing innocent parties to score political points). Michelle has a great roundup of commentary here. More from Captain Ed. Hugh also has some great links. Some good stuff over at Gribbet's World.