GOP Breaks Into Dem Computers, Leaks Memos, No Media Attention

CalPundit - BURIED....I noted in passing this morning while reading the LA Times that the story about the theft of Democratic computer files was limited to a Reuters dispatch on page 14. The Washington Post ran a few paragraphs on page 23. And the New York Times also limited itself to wire service copy.

Which lead to this comment -- Kevin, reading all the blogs covering this story, I find myself wondering if we haven't entered a new model for a free democracy. Instead of a free press watching over government and business, we now have free bloggers watching over government, business and the news-entertainment conglomerate. - ch2

It has been noted this is against federal law and they know who did it.

From Atrios ...18 USC 1030(a)(2) fits this perfectly:

"Whoever . . . intentionally accesses a computer without authorization or exceeds authorized access, and thereby obtains . . . information from any department or agency of the United States" commits a crime.

"Department or Agency of the United States" is defined in the statute as including "the legislative . . . branch of government."

The penalty for violating 1030(a)(2) can be five years if "the offense was committed in furtherance of any . . . tortious act in violation of the Constitution or law of the United States or of any State."