NationStates Jolt Archive

Do any of you agree with this statement? If not, why not, if so, why?


...free flow of information is the only safeguard against tyranny. The once-chained people whose leaders at last lose their grip on information flow will soon burst with freedom and vitality, but the free nation gradually constricting its grip on public discourse has begun its rapid slide into despotism. Beware of he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master.


I believe that sharing some information is good, but privacy must also be respected to some degree.

As far as government actions are concerned, it should be completely transparent and easy for a common person to understand.

I'm all for Freedom of Information in just about every circumstance - one or two, like terrorism/national security, I have yet to decide an opinion on, however

A balance is important, after all, some information is best kept secret, IE: How to make cheap and simple atomic weapons, I know, this is avalible, but its harder to get to and well paid govornment employies no doubt hunt these sites down and shut them down or hack them to death. Hooray for the Internet :P

There simply are some areas where any government has to keep things secret; counter-terrorism is the most obvious area, but there are economic and diplomatic ones as well.
The problem comes when secrecy becomes a way of life, affecting everything the government does. The "ground state" should be openness, with special, limited exceptions for restricting the flow of information, rather than the other way round (hide everything, except whatever you have to let out). The second approach doesn't work too well anyway; the press in Western countries are often very good at rooting out secrets.

I'm all for freedom of information in most things, especially regarding government. However, would you like to know EVERYTHING about everyone, and have everyone know everything about you at the same time?

I'm all for freedom of information in most things, especially regarding government. However, would you like to know EVERYTHING about everyone, and have everyone know everything about you at the same time?

Interesting point, and one that I was thinking about a few weeks ago. I think that could actually be a good thing, because if everyone knew everything about everyone else, the knowledge would lead to its own deterrent against blackmail, and even if someone tried to blackmail you, it would not work, because everyone would know all the sensitive information about you anyway.

Do any of you agree with this statement? If not, why not, if so, why?




I believe that sharing some information is good, but privacy must also be respected to some degree.

As far as government actions are concerned, it should be completely transparent and easy for a common person to understand.


Where have I read that quote before... I think it was Metal Gear Solid 2....

I'm mainly in support for the Freedom of Information. However, I do think there is some "forbidden knowledge" in the world that deserves to be hidden. Certain specific bits of information should not be free - they should be earned.

Loose lips sink ships. Trust the WWII allied propaganda.