Outing 'Fort Dix Six' clerk conveys a terrible message

Could news leaks in the "Fort Dix Six," case put the kibosh on future citizen tips, and allow a terrorist cell to flourish?

Did law enforcement, in its desire to cater to the media, send the wrong message? Was leaking that the alleged "Fort Dix Six" used Circuit City in Mount Laurel to dub a VHS into a DVD, a good idea?

It may sell papers or add viewers during Sweeps Week but will citizens who should report strange occurrences or persons to authorities in the future decide to keep quiet in fear of being "outed" just like authorities did in this case?

My latest commentary appears in today's Philadelphia Inquirer editorial pages. Read it online in HTML or in text.

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