by Kyle Carpenter

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: July 24, 2009

Why is this question so absolute? Can we as a free nation with a powerful government do both? Why not protect our secrets yet give pertinent information. This used to go on. Prior to this "war on terror" we used to give a large about of information, yet hold back some that could be detrimental to our nation or its people.

I of course think it is necessary to hide some of the actions performed by our government. I do not think we need to hide all of their actions. Also hiding ones actions does not give the right to perform illegal or immoral acts. We have a constitution and I believe 'all' should be forced to follow it, especially the government. Lead by example.

Protect the secrets that protect our lives, but do not hide behind the shroud of secrecy when accused of wrong doings. Be forthcoming of information proving that we are out there protecting the civil rights of all mankind.

I hope with a reformed government in place, one not based on hiding their criminal ways, we can get back to a place where we aren't scared of our government. These recent times remind us of when you had to keep any talk in favor of a government that was not our own, quiet. The times of gathering with friends and neighbors to exercise your 1st amendment right, in discussion about negative feelings of your government.

Ironically persecuting people for have a difference of opinion with the government is exactly what our forefathers were trying to get rid of. As the Declaration of Independence states, "...when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security". Its there in black and white. When, as a nation our government with its abuses and tyrannous ways gets out of control, it is our duty to get rid of it and start anew!

Yet we can not just "Willy nilly" give information to the open public. At times we already give to much. The last thing we need is giving secrets about troop movements. But I also think we don't need to be hiding the fact that our government is spying on its own people. I think what we need to be asking is, how do we keep protecting our secrets while giving citizens the information they deserve.

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