Is anyone else wondering about the wisdom of telling the world about our…
intelligence shortfalls?
In yesterday’s Wall Street Journal…
“Obama Says U.S. Intelligence Underestimated Islamic State Threat”
Now this morning in The Washington Post…
“White House Fence-Jumper Made It Far Deeper into Building than Previously Known”
I’m a reporter and generally first to defend freedom of the press. It’s a reporter’s job to dig for the truth but I’m not sure about the wisdom of our government officials putting such sensitive information out for all the world to see.
When I sit back and watch this I can’t help but think the average terrorist is gaining valuable information and must be licking his chops. Or maybe this kind of information causes no great harm because terrorists already know it.
I do know that perception is important and I’m not sure this puts the best face on the United States of America.
Do you agree? Disagree? Please tell me what you think.
Terrorists already have more information than they need…..due to our inability to really have an Intelligence organization with the ability to be successful.
I find it troubling Gary.
I completely agree with you!
Thanks for commenting Gary
Thanks Gary.
Whatever happen to “a need to know”
the media and public share and know too much, I don’t need and/or want to know how we are kept safe at night
B
Thanks for your thoughts Bill.
I am convinced that all of our enemies are capable of learning most, if not all of our weaknesses on their own. I don’t believe anything that is released in the news is “news” to them. Ironically, it is news to us. At least in these two situations, and other similar situations, I believe the public should be made aware of just exactly what our weaknesses are so that we might put pressure on the appropriate government officials and demand that the weaknesses be eliminated.
Appreciate your thoughts Charles, thanks!
It makes me feel far less secure. We might as well draw them a map.
I know what you mean.
I believe that the terrorists and other enemies of our country would be able to find out any information about our security with some effort, but I don’t think we need to be broadcasting our shortfalls to the world. We are only making it easier for them, showing weakness in our leadership and in our government systems, and giving additional ammunition to use against us in their propaganda. In this world of over-sharing and too much information, I think the politicians are falling into the category of too much information.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments Diana.
I agree with you Jane
Instead of the shortcomings being broadcast to the world, it would be better if those shortcomings were addressed and remedied. In addition to “need to know”, how about “loose lips sink ships”? Unfortunately, it appears a lot of lawmakers try to score points with telling how much they know.
Thanks for the thoughtful commend Linda