Wikileaks set to release Swiss bank client info

[Tom]

Alright then. So let it be known from this day forth that this issue is hallowed ground in the p&n sub-forum. We are all in agreement that these leaks could provide useful information that could see corrupt politicians on either side go down.

It has been written, so it will be.

Ommmmmmmmm.

umm, I don't agree that it's ok to violate a person's privacy in an illegal manner.

What are you going to do when Wikileaks posts your medical records, your financial credentials, for consumption by everyone including those that would do you harm ? ie criminals or enemies.

 

[Genx87]

How do conservatives feel about people illegally sheltering profits from taxing? Is this a bi-partisan issue we can all get behind?

You know this how? Because one guy released this information and claims it to be true? Even this release wont go so far as saying it is proof. Meaning they are going to release a bunch of information without having a clue what it really means and who is smears or damages. Damn the consequences, there has to be some rich person hiding a needle in that haystack.

 

[JSt0rm]

You know this how? Because one guy released this information and claims it to be true? Even this release wont go so far as saying it is proof. Meaning they are going to release a bunch of information without having a clue what it really means and who is smears or damages. Damn the consequences, there has to be some rich person hiding a needle in that haystack.

I think he is trying to expose the corrupt system? How is this bad?

 

[JSt0rm]

umm, I don't agree that it's ok to violate a person's privacy in an illegal manner.

What are you going to do when Wikileaks posts your medical records, your financial credentials, for consumption by everyone including those that would do you harm ? ie criminals or enemies.

But he is a whistle blower to illegal activity damaging society (his words). Of course these people will have their day in court but to say that this information should stay in the shadows is wrong.

 

[Genx87]

I think he is trying to expose the corrupt system? How is this bad?

By releasing private information that may or may not actually expose such a system? You are seriously asking this question?

 

[JSt0rm]

By releasing private information that may or may not actually expose such a system? You are seriously asking this question?

So you are saying that any industry has the right to privacy no matter the legality of its actions?

 

[Genx87]

But he is a whistle blower to illegal activity damaging society (his words). Of course these people will have their day in court but to say that this information should stay in the shadows is wrong.

If there is actual corruption what is stopping him from contacting the authorities on the suspected individuals?

 

[JSt0rm]

If there is actual corruption what is stopping him from contacting the authorities on the suspected individuals?

I dont know. Maybe this has been done? Maybe the laws in Sweden are set up to allow for this corruption of our legal system? Maybe putting sunlight on this issue will be the best thing?

 

[Genx87]

So you are saying that any industry has the right to privacy no matter the legality of its actions?

Is that what I am saying? Whatever happened to the idea personal information would remain private? Would you enjoy it if your name was on this blacklist of tax evaders because you opened an account at this institution?

If there is suspected illegal activitity there is such a thing as due process.

 

[Genx87]

I dont know. Maybe this has been done? Maybe the laws in Sweden are set up to allow for this corruption of our legal system? Maybe putting sunlight on this issue will be the best thing?

If this has been done and no charges were brought. What does that say to you?

 

[Scotteq]

I dont know. Maybe this has been done? Maybe the laws in Sweden are set up to allow for this corruption of our legal system? Maybe putting sunlight on this issue will be the best thing?

Swiss Banking Secrecy laws were created in the 1930's, if I recall correctly. But they've always had that reputation.


I'd interpret any corruption that may be found as more of an opportunistic one where an offender identified the best place, rather than the Swiss intentionally creating a market.

Not to mention that, as a matter of practical reality, there are other countries (Uruguay, Panama, Singapore, etc) with equal, if not stronger, laws in place which prevent outside... Audit... of someone's holdings.

 

[JSt0rm]

If this has been done and no charges were brought. What does that say to you?

No charges being brought in Sweden? It tells me they have a vested interest in the status quo.

 

[Genx87]

No charges being brought in Sweden? It tells me they have a vested interest in the status quo.

Tells me the accusation was not supported by the evidence. But dont let that stop somebody who made death threats from exposing the system and 2000 people's banking information to the world. Like I said, consequences be damned!

 

[JSt0rm]

Is that what I am saying? Whatever happened to the idea personal information would remain private? Would you enjoy it if your name was on this blacklist of tax evaders because you opened an account at this institution?

If there is suspected illegal activitity there is such a thing as due process.

I guess that's what you are saying as banking is a industry.

do you think personal information should remain private no matter what?

So I guess this isnt a bi-partisan issue then. Because in my mind if corruption at the highest levels is found then this information leak is good. In your mind privacy trumps all and no matter the corruption these things should never come to light.

 

[JSt0rm]

Tells me the accusation was not supported by the evidence. But dont let that stop somebody who made death threats from exposing the system and 2000 people's banking information to the world. Like I said, consequences be damned!

Wait. how do you know he made death threats? That is a accusation. By making a statement like that you are no better then those who assume illegality before the facts are released. Thats not consistent with your logic

 

[dmcowen674]

Wikileaks set to release Swiss bank client infohttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-...h-client-data-from-ex-julius-baer-banker.html

Looks like Assange will be amassing more (rich) enemies. With any luck, some corrupt politicians might be ousted, so some good might come from this leak, although the cost to personal privacy will be high. No mention as to which country those 40 politicians belong. Looks like the guy that leaked it is going down, already.

Hope it identifies all the rich tax evading bragging Republicans on here and the Feds go after them :thumbsup:

 

[Phokus]

How would you respond if your bank information was given out to the world?

If i'm your typical wealthy plutocrat using the swiss banking system to evade taxes, well, it's not like i could cry about it.

 

[dmcowen674]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Throckmorton
I want to see the libertarian response to this

How would you respond if your bank information was given out to the world?

He is not a rich bragging tax evading Republican so he has nothing to worry about, you on the other hand

 

[dmcowen674]

Quote:
Originally Posted by JSt0rm
So you are saying that any industry has the right to privacy no matter the legality of its actions?

Is that what I am saying? Whatever happened to the idea personal information would remain private? Would you enjoy it if your name was on this blacklist of tax evaders because you opened an account at this institution?

If there is suspected illegal activitity there is such a thing as due process.

Wow, look how thou protest so much, have an account there eh

 

[Throckmorton]

How would you respond if your bank information was given out to the world?

That is exactly my point. Libertarians should be reconsidering their support for Wikileaks right now.

 

[Lemon law]

How would you respond if your bank information was given out to the world?

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You I and the lamp post would have ever reason to be angry if our legitimate banking information is given out.

But wait, this is illegal banking information being given out and yes the tax people will be very interested in these illegal accounts that exists for the sole purpose of tax evasion and money laundering.

As for the crooks, they richly deserve it, and if they end up in slammer like they deserve, all the better. Where is personal responsibility here, if you do the crime you better expect to do the time.

 

[JSt0rm]

As for the crooks, they richly deserve it, and if they end up in slammer like they deserve, all the better. Where is personal responsibility here, if you do the crime you better expect to do the time.

Come now, you know these people are too rich to actually do time. They will, if anything, have to pay back taxes probably without any penalties aside from paying the tax.

 

[Tom]

I guess that's what you are saying as banking is a industry.

do you think personal information should remain private no matter what?

So I guess this isnt a bi-partisan issue then. Because in my mind if corruption at the highest levels is found then this information leak is good. In your mind privacy trumps all and no matter the corruption these things should never come to light.

due process is not doing nothing. It's acting within the law.

You aren't likely to improve corruption by breaking the law.

 

[Scotteq]

Come now, you know these people are too rich to actually do time. They will, if anything, have to pay back taxes probably without any penalties aside from paying the tax.

Yes, it is possible to cut a deal with the Government regarding back taxes. Of course, depending on whether or not the IRS decide there was some intent to defraud the Gov't, then their inclination to play ball has been known to vanish.

 

[Phokus]

due process is not doing nothing. It's acting within the law.

You aren't likely to improve corruption by breaking the law.

Due process only works when you're dealing with institutions in this country, not outside. If you suspect someone of doing something wrong, the government can get a subpoena to get banking information on a suspect. If you're hiding shit in a swiss bank account, a subpoena won't do shit.