In dim Mexican restaurants, behind abandoned schools, and on nameless suburban street corners, I met some of the bravest people that I have ever known.
And I can't tell you the name of a single one of them.
During my seven years as a professional journalist, these sources gave me information about government corruption, nonprofit mismanagement, and corporate malfeasance. They had little to gain and much to lose, including their jobs, savings, and freedom. All they asked was that I promise not to reveal their names, even if compelled by a court. I obliged, and they took me at my word.
Countless other journalists have made such confidentiality promises for more than a century. Although the journalists faced the prospect of jail, they knew that they could challenge a subpoena in court and force the government to explain why its need for the information outweighs the public interest in maintaining confidentiality.
That entire system collapsed yesterday when it became public that the U.S. Justice Department had obtained call records for more than 20 telephone extensions of Associated Press journalists.
Continue Reading