"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 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 those anxious to expand its meaning to the very limits of official censorship and concealment. That I do not intend to permit to the extent that it is in my control. And no official of my Administration, whether his rank is high or low, civilian or military, should interpret my words here tonight as an excuse to censor the news, to stifle dissent, to cover up our mistakes or to withhold from the press and the public the facts they deserve to know." JFK "The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." Patrick Henry, American colonial revolutionary "The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government -- lest it come to dominate our lives and interests." Patrick Henry "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln "To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." Abraham Lincoln  "We the People are the rightful masters of both Congress and the Courts--not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution." Abraham Lincoln  "The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home." James Madison  They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty.  Ben Franklin This will be the best security for maintaining our liberties. A nation of well-informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the religion of ignorance that tyranny begins.  Ben Franklin I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.  James Madison If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.  James Madison The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.  James Madison When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.  Thomas Jefferson What country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance?  Thomas Jefferson