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...
government information perhaps using
It prompts speculation that perhaps the government was using information that was illegally obtained.
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.
anybody benefit interests serve status welcomed
I don't think anybody welcomed that proposal. It wouldn't serve the interests of those who benefit from the status quo.
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.
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.
argument enormous forgive might necessity speaking strictly tolerance understanding violations
I think there is enormous understanding and tolerance for an argument from necessity, and there's willingness to retroactively forgive what might strictly speaking be violations of the law.
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.
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.
attacks exposing help incidents learn learned lessons purpose served system willing
These incidents will have served a constructive purpose if the Pentagon is willing and able to learn from them. By exposing and highlighting vulnerabilities, the attacks can actually help to inoculate the system during times of crisis. But only if the appropriate lessons are learned now.
gives job overcome responsibility work
It makes reporter's job more difficult, but also gives them the responsibility to work to overcome the impediments put in their way.
four information legal sued
It is ironic, ... We sued the C.I.A. four times for this kind of information and lost. You can't get it through legal channels.
future personal serious technology type
The development of this type of data-mining technology has serious implications for the future of personal privacy.
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.
access control families government guys information interest larger public reaching shut whether
We have an interest on public access to government information and in government control of such access. Don't shut down these guys whether they are communicating with their families or they are reaching out to the larger public.