Steven Aftergood
Steven Aftergood
Steven Aftergoodis a specialist in physics and a political activist. He is a critic of U.S. government secrecy, generally favoring more openness. He directs the Federation of American Scientists Project on Government Secrecy and is the author of the Federation blog/newsletter Secrecy News...
act cannot categories classified executive information intelligence methods national protected security sources
Some categories of classified information are protected by statute and not only by executive order. Intelligence sources and methods are protected by the National Security Act and cannot be declassified even by the say-so of the president.
action activity basically covert national taking
This whole activity was effectively concealed. It's baffling. It's basically a covert action taking place at the National Archives.
left stress tools urgent vital
FOIA is one of the most vital tools we have left and it's urgent that it be protected. It's under stress in this climate, but it's not broken.
stress tools urgent vital
FOIA is one of the most vital tools we have left, and it's urgent that it be protected. It's under stress in this climate, but it's not broken.
access control families government guys information interest larger public reaching shut whether
We have an interest on public access to government information and in government control of such access. Don't shut down these guys whether they are communicating with their families or they are reaching out to the larger public.
ask citizens growth harder hold officials ordinary questions secrecy
Secrecy has become a growth industry. It makes it harder for ordinary citizens ... to ask questions ... and to hold officials accountable.
appears default discourage judge media secrecy seems wants
Secrecy seems to be the default here. It appears the judge wants to discourage media coverage.
hillary nsa suggesting
No one is suggesting the NSA is monitoring Hillary Clinton.
government information perhaps using
It prompts speculation that perhaps the government was using information that was illegally obtained.
ask exercise frustrated office perfectly press report
It's perfectly understandable the press office would be frustrated by leaks. But they are the ones with the documents, they are the ones who need to exercise discipline. You can't ask the press not to report what they learn.
gives job overcome responsibility work
It makes reporter's job more difficult, but also gives them the responsibility to work to overcome the impediments put in their way.
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It's a 'trust me' response. That's not good enough anymore. There needs to be an external check and balance to restore confidence in the system.
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It's a bit of a compromise, ... There is a cultural resistance to the polygraph that is different at the FBI than at the CIA. A polygraph is something that is given to new employees and suspected criminals, not to employees in good standing.
citizens leaves results secrecy
It results in unnecessary secrecy that leaves citizens in the dark.