Leaking classified information

So what's the big deal.

If a newspaper (or anyone) publishes classified information (that is legitimately classified in the first place), the government should rightfully demand to know the source of that leak.

If the newspaper refuses to divulge the source, arrest the reporter, editor, and anyone else who refuses to cooperate and charge them under the laws governing unauthorized use of classified information. Oh yes, and confiscate all equipment and real property that was used in the commission of the crime.

Believe me, those folks would start talking.

Then the leakers themselves could be prosecuted under the same espionage laws.

This would put a stop to unauthorized disclosure of classified information, but I don't think the politicians really want to do that. You see, classified information (even that which is vital to national security) can often be (mis)used to gain a political advantage. It's one of the games politicians play.

If the New York Times is hauled into court for its violation of existing secrecy laws, then I'll concede that I'm wrong about this.

Otherwise....