I found this cool little service, DailyLit, that will send you chapters of a book each day. I signed up for a book about the Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln. Since he is so highly regarded by history, I thought I should learn more about him. Last week I was sent this little nugget (see below).
It made me think about our current administration and what their stance on openness is. Seems to me they don't have a clue about openness. Seems to me that everywhere you turn there is another example of how they hide and obfuscate everything; Iraq War, AG firings, Plame, ad infinitum. I get that stuff goes on that is not in the public's best interest to know. But I would think that is more along the lines of the firing codes for nuclear weapons. Why are they so afraid of owning up to whatever they've done...
read on...
_Letter to Colonel Robert Allen. June 21, 1836_Dear Colonel, I am told that during my absence last week you passed through this place, and stated publicly that you were in possession of a fact or facts which, if known to the public, would entirely destroy the prospects of N.W. Edwards and myself at the ensuing election; but that, through favour to us, you should forbear to divulge them. No one has needed favours more than I, and, generally, few have been less unwilling to accept them; but in this case favour to me would be injustice to the public, and therefore I must beg your pardon for declining it. That I once had the confidence of the people of Sangamon, is sufficiently evident; and if I have since done anything, either by design or misadventure, which if known would subject me to a forfeiture of that confidence, he that knows of that thing, and conceals it, is a traitor to his country's interest.
I find myself wholly unable to form any conjecture of what fact or facts, real or supposed, you spoke; but my opinion of your veracity will not permit me for a moment to doubt that you at least believed what you said. I am flattered with the personal regard you manifested for me; but I do hope that, on more mature reflection, you will view the public interest as a paramount consideration, and therefore determine to let the worst come. I here assure you that the candid statement of facts on your part, however low it may sink me, shall never break the tie of personal friendship between us. I wish an answer to this, and you are at liberty to publish both, if you choose.