Worcester Telegram Editors and the Latest O'Keefe Affair

I read the editorial in the Worcester Telegram concerning James O'Keefe's latest political stunt. The Wall Street Journal Law Blog has a brief write up on it. Basically O'Keefe went into polling places in New Hampshire and requested ballots by possing as recently deceased people. The Telegram editors seem to think he was fine in doing that because in the past his antics have brought down people in some progressive organizations. The Telegram feels that his illegal action should be excused.

Here's the deal. I'm a law and order guy. If the law doesn't say it's illegal then you're fine. In this case simply requesting a ballot as someone else is illegal even if you don't cast a vote. You are engaging in voter fraud. It's black and white. There is no excuse for political allegiance or purpose. O'Keefe filmed himself engaging in voter fraud by requesting ballots posing as someone else. It's illegal plain and simple. Shame on the editors of the Telegram for excusing illegal actions because they support the politics of the person who engaged in them.

Bradley Manning is the soldier who gave Wikileaks the US State Department wires that it published. I support Wikileaks in regards to their mission of open information regarding government. Bradley Manning is being brought up on Court Martial charges. Do I think Bradley Manning should be excused? No. Bradley Manning broke the law and he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He also broke his oath as a soldier in the United States military. He was given access to privileged information as part of his military job. He broke his oath and the law in providing Wikileaks that privileged information. He should be prosecuted. No excuse. It's black and white. Law and order.

I'm sure the Telegram would agree with me that Bradley Manning broke the law and should be prosecuted. The Telegram should also agree with me that James O'Keefe broke the law and should also be prosecuted, but the Telegram doesn't. They feel that the law should only apply to people they disagree with. Shame on the Telegram.