Government Secrecy and the People's Right to Know

Barack Obama promised a “transparent” government, but President Obama has cracked down on whistleblowers — in the name of national security. Reporters and leakers have been threatened with prosecution and even prison time. Now, advocates of open government are soliciting Washington whistleblowers with advertisements and promises of confidentiality. Is it Deep Throat 2.0? When is press freedom really at risk? When is secrecy needed to make Americans safe?

Banner Image: U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at the White House about the Iraq situation in Washington June 19, 2014. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque