The raw nerve of this blowhard "Jefferson" to imply we need an informed electorate!
Every good American knows we're supposed to be kept ignorant of what government does, and trust it'll keep our best interests first and foremost. After all, that's what this country was founded on!
I agree tha the electorate needs to be informed. But do you not think that the executive branch sometimes needs honest, informed opinion? Information they may not be as complete if it were to become public knowledge?
"[Do] not suppose that... official communications will ever be seen or known out of the offices. Reserve as to all their proceedings is the fundamental maxim of the Executive department." --Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Hawkins, 1800. ME 10:160"It is essential for the public interest that I should receive all the information possible respecting either matters or persons connected with the public. To induce people to give this information, they must feel assured that when deposited with me it is secret and sacred. Honest men might justifiably withhold information, if they expected the communication would be made public, and commit them to war with their neighbors and friends. This imposes the duty on me of considering such information as mere suggestions for inquiry, and to put me on my guard; and to injure no man by forming any opinion until the suggestion be verified. Long experience in this school has by no means strengthened the disposition to believe too easily. On the contrary, it has begotten an incredulity which leaves no one's character in danger from any hasty conclusion." --Thomas Jefferson to John Smith, 1807. ME 11:203
The raw nerve of this blowhard "Jefferson" to imply we need executive privilege!
I disagree. We must have cams with sound in every room of the White house broadcast on the internet 24/7. In fact we should have a microphone in Bush's bedroom in case he discusses policy with Laura or talks in his sleep.
"It is essential for the public interest that I should receive all the information possible respecting either matters or persons connected with the public. To induce people to give this information, they must feel assured that when deposited with me it is secret and sacred. Honest men might justifiably withhold information, if they expected the communication would be made public, and commit them to war with their neighbors and friends. "
Thomas Jefferson to John Smith, 1807
Or you don't?
Perhaps congress should require the President to submit a daily tape recording of all his and his appointees conversations- supplemented with a journal of all their thoughts.
It would go a long way to removing those "separated powers" that interfere so much with the government running the country efficiently.