How many “ gates” can we have in one administration? Time will tell and we haven’t even hit 100 days of this administration yet. The most recent one that has been identified is called “Signalgate”…a fiasco where several top officials (18 total, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth) who shared detailed attack/war plans against Yemen’s militia on an insecure messaging app called “Signal”. If it wasn’t for Atlantic’s Editor-in-chief and journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg, mistakenly being included in this thread of messages we probably would not have known of this significant security infraction. Initially skeptical that the user was really the National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, Goldberg silently observed a days-long debate on the chat regarding specific military plans…disbelieving it was all real. However, once those strikes did in fact occur at the specific times identified on this chat, Goldberg removed himself from the chat thread. Eventually, Goldberg felt the need to share a screenshot of the thread due to the current administration denying that these messages occurred as he stated and should have been classified as secret…exposing them for a read from other civilian, military and political personnel and potentially enemies to assess.
This recent chat leak involving sensitive information has raised significant concerns about privacy, security, and the integrity of communication in our increasingly digital world. In an era where information flows freely but is often poorly guarded, the implications of such leaks can be devastating. However, amid the chaos and fear surrounding the exposure of classified materials, one individual has emerged as a beacon of integrity and responsibility: Jeffrey Goldberg.
OK…here’s the deal…having spent 20 years as an active duty Air Force nurse, I can look at this thread and put money on the fact that this would be considered top secret information that should only be shared in a protected, secure environment (and I’m not a gambler). Granted, we in the medical field did not have many top secret issues to expose other than our sponge or bedpan count…but I think my 9 year old granddaughter, Ava, could understand that these details should not be shared with just anyone. I do understand that using properly secured communications isn’t as easy as clicking an app on a personal phone (read blatant incompetence and sloth)…however (comma) it’s the right thing to do given the extremely high level of security this should have had.
In a landscape where fear and uncertainty often dominate the narrative, Jeffrey Goldberg stands out as a figure advocating for a balanced approach to journalism. His emphasis on ethical reporting and accountability offers a path forward in the wake of the chat leak, reminding us all of the vital role that responsible journalism plays in a democratic society. As we navigate the complexities of information in this digital age, Goldberg’s principled stance serves as a guidepost for those in the media and beyond.
Here’s the crazy deal…this whole team of officials…up to the top (including DJT) are still doubling down and denying this was a security issue breach which is not unusual given how unethical this conservative group seems to be while they follow the golden want-to-be dictator’s lead regarding poor ethics. Sadly, how challenging would it be to be a military pilot knowing how unsafely this administration handles secure information…be afraid!! And how sad that it took a journalist to let us know about it all…how many more of these messages have been written and shared in this manner (since not one of the officials on this thread raised the BS flag? Accountability should happen and these inexperienced, non-serious officials should lose their jobs because had it been anyone else in the military that did this, they would be court martialed and/or imprisoned.
Bottom line, while the chat leak of secret information has undoubtedly created a frightening situation, Jeffrey Goldberg’s response reveals the potential for heroism in journalism. By prioritizing ethical considerations and advocating for a responsible approach to reporting, he exemplifies the values that should underpin our engagement with sensitive information. In doing so, he reminds us that even in the face of crisis, there are voices committed to truth, integrity, and the greater good. And that should be the goal for all of us…to speak truth to power with integrity…a much better holistic wellness option for all of us.
Spiritual Meditation: If there is any magic to be found, it is in the truth.
Political Humor: Dang…Pete Hegseth is texting me his action/war plans again…wonder if he’s been drinking again?