bump.

@kaner - I want to be clear on your point: are you simply stating that facts should not be withheld from the public at all? Or that the extent to which facts are currently being withheld is unacceptable? Please set me straight so I may understand what you are saying.

I do agree with your emotional response - when we find out that someone has been holding back on us (like the Australian PM) we take offense; we feel like we were treated like a child or an idiot, and no one likes/wants that.

However, I do think that secrets are in fact important, and in order to act within the diplomatic realm, they are necessary. Since I still need clarification from you on your core thesis, we may actually be in agreement, but my stance is that keeping secrets is not only ok, but should be expected. To expect that everyone is up front or wearing their hearts on their sleeves is simply naive. However, the problem I have with our current system is that the term 'secret' is applied too loosely to things that should not be kept secret for the gain/convenience of the labeler (see my first post).

Now, as to "facts that have been kept from the public" - I have a very interesting link to share. This organization: AlterNet is a journalistic group aimed at debunking current beliefs/common assumptions in the media and news topics of the world. This one article made me laugh, before making me seriously upset at the state of my countries Op-Ed lifestyle. It's a good read (well-written, very strong) and another interesting point of view that exists. http://www.alternet.org/media/149193/study_confirms_that_fox_news_makes_you_stupid/

You're not talking to a child, kislikd

That is absolutely right, and I hope I have not offended the person I was actually speaking to, since that was not and never will be my intention. I do not believe I have said anything to merit such a response, but I can't not offend everyone.

Hey kislikd,

I am not saying that either is acceptable or not, rather I am stating that in the current global system in which we find ourselves foreknowledge is a powerful thing, if a diplomat can inform their nation prior, then they have done a 'good thing'.

As for facts being withheld from the public, I accept that realistically this sort of thing happens very often. Idealistically I would like to believe that we could operate as a human race, without the need for secrecy on an inter-nation level. Especially when politicians and governments abuse the power by labeling things 'secret' when they really shouldn't be.

Hopefully this clarifies things for you

@kaner - Ah! Thank you for explaining your position. Yes, foreknowledge is indeed very powerful. And yes, I share the same idealistic hope as well. But, we play with the cards we are dealt.