Curb your enthusiasm

Reader Henry David copied us on his over-the-top letter of thanks to the New York Times for blowing the terrorist finance tracking system:

Dear Mr. Keller:

I want to thank you personally for breaking the story on the government illegally using the SWIFT system to track money.

This administration is always breaking the law. They all belong behind bars. Just remember, it’s your duty to make sure they’re kicked out of office, in the most humiliating way possible. Republicans are killers of poor people all around the world. Crimes against humanity should not go unpunished.

Keep up the good work.

Henry David

Mr. David reports that he received a quick response:

From: Executive Editor Desk
To: Henry David [email address omitted]
Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 14:37:16 -0400
Subject: Re: Attention Bill Keller
Thank you for your thoughtful – and very welcome – email.
We appreciate your taking the time and trouble to write!
Executive Editor’s Desk

UPDATE: Reader Joel Rosenberg writes that he has been inspired by Henry David’s message to send his own to Bill Keller:

Dear Mr. Keller:

Thank you so much for letting the whole world know how the Republican-run government is using the SWIFT system to track terrorists’ (and who knows who else’s?) international money transfers. The arrogance of this administration shows no bounds, as does their utter disdain for both the laws that require warrants for any inquiry whatsoever — not to mention the status of the New York Times. While a few additional terrorist operations may or may not happen, they are none too high a price to pay for making sure that the Bush administration and particularly Karl Rove and the rest of the evildoers are hounded at every corner for the next two and a half years.

There should be a zero-tolerance policy for Republicans; let freedom ring!

Joel Rosenberg

Joel is afraid that his message may be a little too subtle, but promises to let us know how the Times responds.

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