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...
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.
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.
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.
embraced secrecy
This administration has embraced secrecy as a right.
aggressive authority goes oversight point principle relatively trivial
This illustrates the principle that unchecked authority goes astray. In this case, it's a relatively trivial infraction. But to me the point is that we need more aggressive and penetrating oversight than we have.
ability debate democracy frames future less losing people policy problem rationally secrecy seem society
As a society we seem to be losing our ability to rationally debate complicated policy decisions. Secrecy aggravates the problem by excluding people from the debate, or by narrowing their frames of reference. Nothing less than the future of American democracy is at stake.
abolish create difficult either entirely logical practical proven reform simply
As a practical matter, it has proven difficult to either reform or abolish the CIA, ... The logical alternative may be to simply create an entirely new agency.
central focus implicit intelligence
an implicit repudiation of the CIA, which was established to be the central focus and the integrator of the nation's intelligence production.
hillary nsa suggesting
No one is suggesting the NSA is monitoring Hillary Clinton.
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.
balance check confidence external good needs restore
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.
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.