Secrecy...

I'm truly torn over the controversy regarding Wikileaks.  On the one hand, I believe in freedom of information and transparency in government.  Having said that, I equally believe that some degree of secrecy is essential to maintain national security.  I think the problem comes into focus when governments and corporations stop being honest with their citizens.  I do see how ridiculous that statement is in that governments are never honest with their citizens and the honesty of any corporation is based purely on self interest.  From what research I've done, the United States has never entered into a military conflict without lying to their citizens; I don't know why anyone would expect anything new.  So, on which side of the fence does Wikileaks fall?

It would be ideal to find some way of determining what information should be released and what shouldn't.  I guess that's really where this whole issue begins; with people making these decisions.  I suppose that statement really answers my question.  Kill them all and let God sort them out.  Perhaps Wikileaks should do exactly what they're doing and release everything.  They're obviously being as careful as they can in the protection of sources and informants.  Let's also remember, Wikileaks is only a vehicle for whistle blowers; they only distribute these things, they don't invent them.

It's ironic that I should be writing about freedom of information and transparency while living in a country that allows neither.  Perhaps it's easier to value those things which you don't possess; but that's another story altogether.