Bradley Manning and Julian Assange should be treated like a thief and a fence respectively, because our rulers need to conspire secretly with each other, and it would be gauche for the rabble to inquire into the doings of their betters. Thus speaks the director of Cato’s Center for Constitutional [sic] Studies. (CHT Walter Grinder and Stephan Kinsella.)
By the way, a special prize to anyone who can figure out how to make sense of the word “duplicity” in Pilon’s final paragraph.
I believe he was using “duplicity” in a projecting manner. As in his own duplicity in working for an ostensibly libertarian foundation while simultaneously licking the boots of every state functionary in the beltway.
He’s using it the same way Master Shake did in that one episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force – “it’s the duplicitous edge we all walk,” – which is to say in a completely inappropriate manner.
Perhaps he set up the element in his post that would make it understandable, but he edited it out or something like that. Perhaps he just liked the word. Treasonous would be incorrect, but duplicity provides the similar element of backstabbing and moral wretchedness. Yet another possibility is that he is indirectly referring to what this refers. One standard for Julian Assange, another standard for everyone else.
That’s … he’s … aaaaaaaagh.
“Transparency has its place.” When properly approved by the secret-keepers, of course. Imagine the explosive consequences of Egyptians knowing their masters’ plans for them! Imagine how a lack of secrets could ruin America’s current successful peacemaking all over the world!
(spits)
My favorite part is his reference to “delicate negotiations” between “American, Egyptian, and other officials.” This is the most salient aspect of the Egyptian uprising. Between this and Wayne Allyn Root’s denunciation of the protesters as “anarchists [if only!], communists, and Islamic extremists,” it’s clear that many in the libertarian establishment hate the ungodly rabble more than they hate the state.