Fed Court: Just changed interpretation of Espionage Act to cover leaks that are NOT Harmful To USA

[JDPriestly]

39. Since the executive branch uses the threat of prosecution under the Espionage Act to

silence discussion of important issues including discussion initiated by members of Congress, this decision is yet another nudge toward a dictatorship by the executive branch. Note that I do not mention the name Obama on purpose.

This is not about Obama or his specific presidency. This is about preserving the balance of powers. Right now, whether the president is Bush or Obama or Nixon or XYZ, the executive is using the Espionage Act to grab power, to silence member of the other branches of government.

Secret courts rendering secret decisions. Where is that permitted in the Constitution?

Trials are supposed to be public. Yes. Warrants are not. But we see people accused of violating the Espionage Act and certain other laws and tried in trials in which much of the evidence is sealed and kept secret. What happened to public trials?

U.S. Constitution

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/sixth_amendment

What's with the secrecy?

It is not democratic. It shouldn't be allowed.