Remember D-Day? Remember more to the point the level of secrecy that was achieved? Even when they were staring down the main batteries of our battleships the Nazis were not convinced that there could possibly be an invasion happening in that time, in that place. All their spies and “intel” had never yielded a single credible clue.

Yet from Resistance fighters in the occupied territories, to every swabbie and dogface who understood (as most did, and if not their buddies explained) what their orders meant, not one talked – at least in any way that the enemy heard. Plain ordinary workers, essentially, knew what was at stake and acted responsibly. Their leaders knew that they would and trusted them to do so.

Consider the Manhattan Project. A story never told is that the science community were well aware of the potential of an atomic bomb, and if they weren’t recruited for it themselves knew their friends who were. The science fiction writing community especially was having a great time with it – and few younger, more rebellious bunches of self-righteous adolescents have ever been seen. But they were quietly visited by FBI agents who told them of the issues at stake and appealed to their patriotism. Not a single additional word about anything atomic appeared in print till after Hiroshima.

It’s easy to say “we can’t let THEM find out – and often that will be good judgment. It’s easy to say “THEY are everywhere” – and far too often, THEY are.

But – ordinary citizens know this.They have a pretty good sense of when it’s OK to say something and when it’s time to shut up. And when presented with a credible request in the national interest, they will not only cooperate but try to make an additional constructive contribution when they can – volunteering that key fact or observation they have made. It’s the American Way.

Across this continent there are malefactors in our midst who wish us nought but ill. We know that. We know that sometimes we’ll need advice on what’s safe and what isn’t, what we can safely say where and when and what we can’t. And we will listen to that advice.

But there are now too many paranoids in high places, who do not trust the good faith of the people or their good judgment. And the more this becomes apparent, the less the governed are inclined to trust them.

It’s time ti trust the judgment and loyalty of those who put our governors in office. Yes, by all means explain the hazards and the pitfalls that we face in security matters. But then work with the willing and the able and the trustworthy in a fair and open manner.

Because the more often I catch you snooping around on my turf, the less I am going to trust you, and the sooner I will come to shooting first and asking questions later. And all of us will be no better for it.

Lamar Smith, whose agenda is apparent from any quick look at his Wikipedia entry, wants to cut off dissenting voices at the source by cutting off their funding. This is the same stunt Harper has used in suppressing any organizations speaking out against Israeli policy or offering charity to the Palestinians.

This is a common political tactic and is not limited to the right wing. Just look at the current nuclear energy discussion and try to find a greenie who will admit that nuclear power is clean – no emissions at all – and less expensive per kilowatt hour produced than any power source except hydraulic.

Whether the tactic is used by left or right, whether it is suppression by employer order, financial withdrawal, or simply a campaign of evasion, distraction, logical fallacies and downright lies, it is an abuse of the public trust and, for those in authority, an abuse of power.

We may and should choose to condemn such behaviour in every case that comes to our attention. But let us also remember we should do so with every manipulator regardless of asocial or political position.

Best,
Nancy.

S