Debate Topic:

Public’s Right to Know vs. National Security

In the wake of September 11, 2001, the Bush Administration has curtailed the free flow of information on the grounds that it could assist terrorists in harming the United States. To bolster these claims, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld recently revealed that an Al Qaeda training manual found in Afghanistan reads: “[By] Using public sources openly and without resorting to illegal means, it is possible to gather at least 80 percent of information about the enemy.”

Government watchdog groups understand the need to keep certain highly sensitive information under lock-and-key; however, they are deeply concerned about this ever-growing veil of secrecy. They say public access to government information keeps our politicians honest and ensures they serve in the best interest of the people. With thousands of documents disappearing from public scrutiny during the last year, Americans risk a government unchecked and unrestrained.

Our First Amendment freedoms of speech and of the press are being severely abridged. Yet, no one wants to see our national security threatened. If the Bush Administration continues to use its “terrorist trump card,” we may one day awake to a society where “we the people” have no say in our nation’s government.

Instructions:

Pick a side to debate: Argue either in support of the Bush Administration or in favor of the government watchdog groups. Both sides should review the following web links, as well as any other research, that helps them build a credible argument in support of their position.

On May 21-22, 2003, square off online against the opposing side. Present your key points and argue against opposing points. You will be graded on the strength of your research and arguments.

A Group Promoting Government Accountability
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/1145/1/104/

Freedom of Information Act Memorandum: October 2001
http://www.usdoj.gov/oip/foiapost/2001foiapost19.htm

Cnet News.com article: “Military Worried About Web Leaks”
http://news.com.com/2102-1023-981057.html

Military Webmaster Policies and Procedures
http://www.fas.org/sgp/news/2003/01/dodweb.html

Federation of American Scientists: Project on Government Secrecy
http://www.fas.org/sgp/index.html

U.S. Department of Defense Link
http://www.defenselink.mil/