The U.S. Government Loses Credibility

According to a news story discussed on Slashdot, our government, in its wisdom, has put Iraqi documents on the Web, with the goal of speeding up translation.

Hello? Do you think that just-maybe-possibly this is the best opportunity yet for misinformation campaigns? Mistranslation or "nothing interesting here, move to the next document" statements could cover up real intelligence and gum up the works in a huge way.

Newsflash for my government: hire people. Pay them market rates. They'll do the work you want. But don't just rely on volunteer translators - would you rely on volunteer bridge-builders? Customs officers? Physicians? If not, don't trust MY security to "volunteer translators".

Harrumph!