Administration strives to keep public in dark

[Thom Little]

"Popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce, or tragedy, or perhaps both."
– James Madison

As a principal architect of the Constitution, James Madison foresaw clearly the dangers of a secretive government striving to keep the people in the dark about its activities. These perils are vividly illustrated by two recent criminal investigations launched by the Justice Department into unauthorized news leaks involving clandestine Bush administration initiatives.

In both cases, the probes are intended to stanch the flow of vital information to the public – to the detriment of open government and the democratic process.

The first investigation is an effort to uncover the sources of The New York Times' disclosure of spying without warrants on Americans by the National Security Agency. Advocates on opposite sides can argue whether the leak compromised national security, as President Bush claims, but there is no contesting the public's compelling interest in knowing about such constitutionally dubious endeavors.

The Justice Department does not contest the accuracy of The New York Times report, yet appears eager to pursue criminal charges against those who supplied the truthful information. According to the newspaper, it relied on "nearly a dozen current and former officials" of the Bush administration.



http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/op-ed/editorial1/20060104-9999-lz1ed4top.html

[cliss]

1. The secrets -

are out in the open now. The public is finally sensing that something is seriously wrong with their government. It's corrupt.

Whenever I see photos of the White House, I always think of reaching for a can of Raid to de-fumigate it.

Thankx for posting.

[applegrove]

2. Yes. Americans have gotten wise. Much scrutiny will brought to bear.

The political tactitians will not get away with what they have before.

The party is over.