JFK No Secrets Societies

The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths and to secret proceedings. We decided long ago that the dangers of excessive and unwarranted concealment of pertinent facts far outweighed the dangers which are cited to justify it. Even today, there is little value in opposing the threat of a closed society by imitating its arbitrary restrictions. Even today, there is little value in insuring the survival of our nation if our traditions do not survive with it. And there is very grave danger that an announced need for increased security will be seized upon by those anxious to expand its meaning to the very limits of official censorship and concealment. The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society; (Free and Open Society-Don't be blinded by the light) Today no war has been declared--and however fierce the struggle may be, it may never be declared in the traditional fashion. Our way of life is under attack. Those who make themselves our enemy are advancing around the globe. The survival of our friends is in danger. And yet no war has been declared, no borders have been crossed by marching troops, no missiles have been fired. The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society; (Free and Open Society-Don't be blinded by the light) Nevertheless, every democracy recognizes the necessary restraints of national security--and the question remains whether those restraints need to be more strictly observed if we are to oppose this kind of attack as well as outright invasion. The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society; (Free and Open Society-Don't be blinded by the light) Play the song with the funky breaks and ask me if I need a ride. Get down and get tight (You are going to make through the night because mamma that's where the fun is.) Hit them in the funny bone (that is where they expect it least).