Henry Mark Holzer, writing in Front Page Magazine, makes the very strong case that the New York Times will be indicted for violating the Espionage Act for publication of details helpful to the enemy in the story of wiretapping of internatrional phone calls involving an American end of the conversation.

I won't bother to recapitulate his points because he makes them concisely and you should follow the link.

Should indictments be brought, the resulting prosecution and possible trial (I don't rule out plea agreements once the defendants grasp the prison terms awaiting them and the strength of the case against them) will be a turning point in domestic politics and public opinion.

Liberals will no doubt scream that fascism has arrived in America. I do not rule out a resort to terrorism by the lunatic fringe. The Unabomber sorts. I hope they are few in number and equally isolated.

If that happens, watch for public opinion to turn on the left with fury.

Other outcomes are also possible. A clumsy case could weaken support for necessary anti—terror measures.

But if Holzer is right (and I trust his judgment), we are in for some real fireworks. And Pinch Sulzberger's problems in destroying his family company's value will be the least of his worries.

Hat tip: Ed Lasky

Thomas Lifson   9 29 06