The classification system's 'advanced stage of decadence'

One of the more curious things about the Taguba report is the fact that it was classified in the first place. The executive order deliniating what can and can't be classified states, "In no case shall information be classified in order to... conceal violations of law." In a bit of a double negative, it adds that classification can not be used "to prevent or delay the release of information that does not require protection in the interest of the national security." Em, and why again was the report stamped secret?

The Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO), a little-known government agency charged with overseeing the process and that has the power to overturn classifications, is currently investigating and is apparently going to come out with a ruling next week. I'm not sure how the office will come down, but I have a guess: I spoke with its director last week, Bill Leonard, and he is, shall we say, less than thrilled with the Bush administration's classification habits, especially in the case of the Taguba report.

"I truly have concerns based on what I've seen over the past several months," said Leonard. He says that when he has occasionally raised his eyebrows at one classification or another, "People have said to me, 'Don't you know there's a war on?' "

Leonard adds that the tsunami of recent leaks has been caused at least in part by the overzealous classification itself: Over-classification eventually reaches a tipping point, he says, where even people involved in the process no longer think it's just or fair and act accordingly. "I see a direct cause-and-effect. What ultimately protects the classification process is people's confidence in it. And there have been many actions by agencies that can be interpreted as undermining the process. Or as the Federation of American Scientists' Steve Aftergood , told me, "I think the classification system has entered the advanced stage of decadence." (Note: Aftergood is an invaluable resource, a nice guy, and provided most of the background for this post.)

In the unlikely event you need more evidence: The president issued an executive order last year that lets the CIA chief veto rulings against secrecy. (See section 5.3(f).)

Finally, here's a question: The so-called Fay report on military intel's role in abuses of prisoners is due next month. Any bets on whether it too will be sketchily stamped secret?

UPDATE: Slate's Jack Shafer flags a speech Leonard make decrying the state of classification. Among other things, he points out that the papers have ignored it.

Comments

[generic viagra]

I'm not sure how the office will come down, but I have a guess: I spoke with its director last week, Bill Leonard, and he is, shall we say, less than thrilled with the Bush administration's classification habits, especially in the case of the Taguba report.

[aion kinah]

This is a great article. I’m new to blogging but still learning.I love your blog!

[allegra]

Leonard adds that the tsunami of recent leaks has been caused at least in part by the overzealous classification itself: Over-classification eventually reaches a tipping point, he says, where even people involved in the process no longer think it's just or fair and act accordingly. "I see a direct cause-and-effect. What ultimately protects the classification process is people's confidence in it. And there have been many actions by agencies that can be interpreted as undermining the process.

[viagra]

I agree but the problem continues when companies buy into generational differences instead of setting expectations for the job and holding people accountable. Perhaps this recession (depression) will teach them a lesson or two.

[new jordans]

Nature never deceives us; it is always us who deceive ourselves.

[christian louboutin]

Each moment in history is a fleeting time , precious and unique .

[chrisitian louboutin]

Thank you for this article. That’s all I can say. You most definitely have made this blog into something special. You clearly know what you are doing, you’ve covered so many bases.Thanks!

[credit report repair services]

Great point of view. Your article was awesome. Thanks for the info.

[fat burning furnace]

I am looking forward to seeing more awesome post like this, hopefully we can get to see similar items like this in the future.

[autovermietung auf mallorca flughafen]

You most definitely have made this blog into something special. You clearly know what you are doing, you’ve covered so many bases.

[aaa credit repair]

Fantastic article. The best I've seen today.

[Debt Consolidation Forum]

This is very interesting. A lot of thoughts to be learned from this site.

[Improve My Credit]

I just wanted to throw you a big thanks - Great Post!

[macbook-air-giveaway]

My fovorite site is www.ericumansky.com !
macbook air giveaway