NY Times reports: “The New York Times reporter Judith Miller has now been in jail longer for refusing to testify than any reporter working for a newspaper in America. (Hattip: Instapundit)

Ms. Miller, who went to jail rather than testify in an investigation into the disclosure of an undercover agent’s identity, has been in a Virginia jail 55 days as of today.”

And the final verdict?

It’s time for the authorities who jailed Ms. Miller to recognize that continued incarceration is not going to sway a reporter who believes she is making a principled sacrifice. As Jack Nelson, a veteran journalist for The Los Angeles Times, wrote recently: “Without leaks, without anonymity for some sources, a free press loses its ability to act as a check and a balance against the power of government.

He cited Watergate, Iran-contra and President Bill Clinton’s lies about Monica Lewinsky. If Judith Miller loses this fight, we all lose. This is not about Judith Miller or The Times or the outing of one C.I.A. agent. The jailing of this reporter is about the ability of a free press in America to do its job.”

Strong tonic.

But no need to fret over Judy and little stint behind bars.

As Bill Quick quips, “She’ll make millions off it.”