(CNN) Let's start with what we can all agree on: Leaking is serious and illegal, and leaking classified information can endanger national security. All leaks must therefore be thoroughly investigated. Even former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper acknowledged as much in his Feb. 16 statement. But people diverge over the role the intelligence community has played in recent leaks. Take, for example, the ouster of Michael Flynn, President Donald Trump's short-lived national security advisor. Some have argued recent leaks of classified information, assumedly emanating from inside the intelligence community, resulted in his swift removal from office. The assertion here is that leakers in the executive branch effectively sabotaged the President's pick for the job, and in doing so exercised undue control over the West Wing itself. Even worse, some fear this pattern may continue with other nominees and policies of the Trump administration.Steven L. Hall: There is no doubt that leaking classified information is a serious offenseHowever, Hall writes, Trump is likely focusing on leaks to avoid investigation of his campaign's alleged contact with Russia
_'s greatest insecurity is whether or not the results of the election were valid given reported collusion between his campaign and Russia to discredit his opponent.