In a recently declassified CIA internal memo, the author presents their take on how to go about preventing "unauthorized disclosures" by the media.
Constantly, arguments of defending against outside threats are presented. There are countless excuses used for why all things should not be transparent. These are nothing but excuses that cannot stand. It is an attempt to stay in the shadows, hidden from public scrutiny. Any arguments that this is "necessary" are nothing more than excuses.
The best defense is honesty. In a hypothetical world where the government was fully open and honest, it would not be attacked and looked at as an enemy; rather, it would be seen for what it was: honest. But it is not honest. And so, just the same, it is seen for what it is.
When there are layers upon layers of secrecy, this is a clear sign of dishonesty. This is not a necessary way to "protect" anything, it only drives further division between people. It also hides the decisions which are rife with flaw and abuses against human rights from the scrutiny of the unbiased general public who, undoubtedly, would not agree with the actions if they only knew. So, because they understand this, it is "easier" to just hide decisions behind shrouds of secrecy and make excuses for why those shrouds should be in place.
There is no reason for dishonesty.
It is like functioning in the night. It is an active attempt to hide in the darkness. When there is no focus on what is happening, there is no energy towards it and so it is alike to when the sun goes down and night hides things from view. When the general public's attention is on the actions, it is alike to day time where all things are visible and easily decipherable. It is not difficult to tell our surroundings when light shines on them, but at night it is impossible to say what is hidden in the darkness. So too goes government secrecy.
So, regardless of what excuses may be made for maintaining secrecy, let the light shine on these actions. As there is a strong desire to hide actions within governments, this strong desire shows itself through psychologically manipulative tactics that are actively designed to deceive the general public.
There is nothing honest about hiding truth. It just goes to show why there is not unity and peace in the world. These types of actions will never bring peace or unity, only division. And they will only drive us further from balance. Without balance, chaos reigns.
Keeping secrets helps those in power stay in power and the bearers of secrets get to keep their profits. Nicely written article.