Monday, November 10, 2008

National Security vs. Public Disclosure


The New York Times reported today that the United States government has been conducting secret raids on Al-Qaeda operatives in countries all around the world without the knowledge of much of the government. Since 2004, the military has been involved in these operations.

How does this involve a question on journalism? How long has the Times known about this story? Many may wonder whether this knowledge will now prevent the effectiveness of such operations in the future. Which was more important in this case--the public disclosure, or national security. This story is obviously not as groundbreaking as the wiretapping case a few years ago, but it raises similar questions.

I personally believe that editors-in-chief of major newspapers need to be the best of the best and absolutely without political affinity for either party. If we can trust these gatekeepers to keep our best interests in stake (with the board of directors keeping a close check on them), then I think newspapers generally use the best judgment. What do you think?

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