WikiLeaks is under serious attack. True, it's subversive and conspiritorial in its effort to achieve its mission of holding governments accountable. Also true the items its disclosures have proven quite embarrassing and potentially, in some cases, harmful. Of course there's that "if it's that embarrassing, should a government be doing it" question, but nevertheless, Wikileaks pulls no punches.
Governments do not like being embarrassed. That's why they are so quick to lobby the public to focus on the wikileaks "betrayl" rather than the information disclosed like the lack of respect by diplomats or failures to observe the Geneva Convention or any number of other issues which WikiLeaks uncovered.
But a bigger concern to me, and what I think should be of concern to all those in the nonprofit sector, is the willingness of governments and businesses (like Visa or Mastercard or big Banks who were vehicles for WikiLeaks' donations) to just turn off the water at the say-so of embarrassed governments.
I believe the sector needs to rethink why it exists -- to fill the void left by the percieved lack of profit potential for businesses and the lack of demand by the public. I believe nonprofit boards and execs need to come together and say "hey", they have a mission which is about improving the world (not always in the best form, but...). And with a mission and volunteers and even donors, WikiLeaks and any others who dare to challenge the status quo must be defended at least for their right to challenge the status quo. Come-on nonprofit leaders -- stand-up and shout-out!