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The purpose of classifying certain categories of information is to prevent harm to the nation. If it has been clearly established that disclosure of certain information would result in danger to national security, government is justified in withholding it from public disclosure.

Government agencies are also the repository for other categories of information that, for a variety of reasons, are withheld from disclosure.

The question of whether or not unclassified information can be kept secret is one that cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no.'

Agencies such as the IRS and the Veterans Administration, for example, hold reams of information on individuals that, if publicly disclosed, could cause irreparable harm to the individuals. The Privacy Act and the Freedom of Information Act (often in conflict with each other) were enacted to protect the privacy individuals on the one hand, and to ensure citizen visibility into government's holdings of information on the other.

These laws provide guidelines to the executive branch for the protection of certain personal information about individuals, and the release of information that should not be withheld. Names, addresses, social security numbers, and financial information, for instance, can only be released to third parties, the media, or the public, with the written permission of the individual.

In the absence of legislative prohibitions, government's default position on unclassified information should be disclosure.

If the citizenry is to play an effective and constructive role in the affairs of government, as our founding fathers envisioned, they must be kept informed. The safety and well-being of our nations and our families depend on a citizenry that is engaged with, and trusting of, government. If information does not pose a direct threat to national security or damage to an individual, it should be available to the public. Unclassified information that reflects poorly on the performance of an agency, for instance, should not be withheld. Nor should the mistakes of government be kept secret. Citizens have a right to know how government is performing, and a desire to hold it accountable for its actions.

Withholding unclassified information from public scrutiny does not strengthen government; on the contrary, it undermines the public's trust in government, and in the end, impedes the effective functioning of government.

The American people are wiser and more capable than many in government give them credit for being. Keeping them in the dark about what goes on inside government is unwise, and ultimately, bad government.

Learn more about this author, Charles Ray.
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