The Push for Transparency

My Junior Theme was about why there has been an increase in the number of classified government documents. However, many of the sources I read were talking about a "push for transparency." Transparency is generally when the government acts openly, communicates, and is held accountable for its actions. In other words, instead of keeping so many secrets and sometimes lying to the public, they choose to open information and create better communication with the people.

For my project I read a great book by Micah L. Sifry titled WikiLeaks and the Age of Transparency. In the book, Sifry quotes President Obama in a 2009 speech: "I think the more freely information flows, the stronger the society becomes, because citizens of countries around the world can hold their own governments accountable" (138). This quote strikes me as odd. While I do believe Obama has done many positive things in the direction towards transparency, like creating a National Declassification Center, in the wake of the recent WikiLeaks scandal, it makes you wonder how much he really is doing to make sure information is flowing freely.

There were many things revealed by WikiLeaks about the United States: some good, some bad, and some even embarrassing. And while many were concerned that the disclosures could harm innocent lives, it has been proven that they were more embarrassing than hazardous. So why all the secrecy? Why not get to that transparent government everyone's been talking about?

I think its difficult for a citizen who does not have access or is in the same shoes as Obama to assess what needs to be secret and what can be shown to the public. Most of don't know how certain information could affect the nation if released, but as technology continues to advance, keeping things secret may be harder than ever. The push for transparency will continue and once we can obtain an open government, we can reap its benefits. Then society can become healthier and stronger, working together with the government to generate new ideas and solve issues.

The Curious Case of Bradley Manning

I have decided that for my junior theme I will be focusing on government secrecy. Part of this obviously includes classified documents and the United States' "war" with WikiLeaks. Bradley Manning, an Army intelligence analyst, was "was arrested...and accused of downloading several hundred thousand diplomatic cables and classified reports...providing them to WikiLeaks" according to the New York Times.

Recently this month, there have been additional charges filed against Manning including "aiding the enemy," and he has been in solitary confinement. There has been a lot of support for Manning with many critiques about how he is being treated in jail.

Top State Department spokesman Philip Crowley stated that Manning's treatment was "ridiculous, counterproductive and stupid." In response to these comments, Obama reassured the public in a news conference that the jail conditions of Manning were "appropriate and meeting our basic standards."

But is it fair for Manning to be incarcerated? Should he be considered an enemy to the state?

I don't know if I'm very convinced that he should be jailed. Although I understand he released classified information to the public regarding the American government, should these have been even classified in the first place?

According to CQ Researcher Online, about 90% of classified information does not need to be classified. Furthermore, even Defense Secretary Gates, said that "the leaks were likely to cause the nation minimal long-term damage." So why does Manning need to take the fall for it?

I think it's because the WikiLeaks documents definitely did embarrass the United States government. It has showed that the government has lied to the people. According to CQ Researcher Online, "months after the leaks were published, nearly 100 government intelligence analysts reported to Congress that the disclosures had done little actual damage to US national interests."

The government is making an example out of Manning and WikiLeaks. They do not want their secrets being shared with the world. There are images to uphold and people to please. After all ignorance is bliss, right? But knowledge, knowledge may just set you free.