Secrecy, once accepted, becomes an addiction

"But the true threats to stability and peace are these nations that are not very transparent, that hide behind the—that don't let people in to take a look and see what they're up to." - George W. Bush, talking about North Korea

"I believe in open government. I've always believed in open government. I don't e-mail, however. And there's a reason: I don't want you reading my personal stuff . . . I don't think you're entitled to read my mail between my daughters and me." - George W. Bush

Back in 1976, during the Bicentennial, the French Minister of Cultural Affairs, Françoise Giroud had this to say about the United States:

"Today, many people are amazed to see this airing of your dirty laundry, this public display of your wounds, and this ceaseless self-criticism. They have never seen that in their countries. They look at you as if the United States had become a kind of blind giant indulging in self-mutilation. This capacity that you have to expose your wounds instead of hiding them, is, in my opinion, the evidence of an ability to heal yourselves. Your wounds will be closed because you air them in the sunlight of the truth. This fervor with which you call yourselves into question, is in my eyes, the proof of the magnificent American vitality. It is this gift of innovation and initiative which is your greatest strength."

George W. Bush has decided the best course for his administration is one of secrecy and closed doors, and if everything most of us suspect about the President is true, then perhaps it is in Bush's best interests to conduct business that way. However, it is not in the best interests of this country and I have a sneaking suspicion that the best interests of the country should come before those of Mr. Bush. But what do I know; I'm simply a lowly scribe and correspondent of my own opinions.

Let's go over a few things I do know. Senators are demanding the White House release all documents dealing with John Robert's dealings with the Supreme Court under both Reagan and Bush senior in order to form a better opinion about the man. It makes perfect sense to me, especially in light of revelations about Robert's efforts to turn back certain civil right. But it sounds like Bush's people believe the documents could cast Roberts in a bad light, so they won't release them.

Because the Senate refused to back down on their demands for documents about John Bolton, Bush pulled an end run and appointed Bolton during a very short Congressional recess. Wow, no documents needed!

But it's not just this. Early during his first term, Bush was furious about White House leaks to the press and let everyone know he would not tolerate that kind of behavior from anyone in his administration. Of course, we're all too familiar with the fact that Libby and Rover are exempt from said policy.

How many citizens realize that Bush signed Executive Order 13233 limiting the Freedom of Information Act and restricting access to the papers of current and former presidents? While I understand there will be some national security issues with the presidents, I can't see what Bush's records while he was Governor of Texas have to do with national security. Yes, those documents are also covered by the executive order.

We are a free and open society . . . at least in theory, and we know Bush doesn't believe in this philosophy, so how have other presidents felt about secrecy?



"The very word 'secrecy' is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths, and to secret proceedings." - John F. Kennedy

"Government ought to be all outside and no inside . . . Everybody knows that corruption thrives in secret places, and avoids public places, and we believe it a fair presumption that secrecy means impropriety." - Woodrow Wilson

Here is a little irony. "When information which properly belongs to the public is systematically withheld by those in power, the people soon become ignorant of their own affairs, distrustful of those who manage them, and - eventually - incapable of determining their own destinies." - Richard Nixon

"Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right and a desire to know." - John Adams

"When you can't do any housecleaning because everything that goes on is a damned secret, why, then we're on our way to something the Founding Fathers didn't have in mind. Secrecy and a free, democratic government don't mix." - Harry S. Truman

"Let the people know the facts, and the country will be safe." - Abraham Lincoln