Classified Information

Government agencies often refuse to hand over documents a reporter believes are part of the public record. Common excuses are “personnel information,” “would jeopardize an ongoing investigation,” and “national security." Likely translation: “Would totally embarrass us.” While secrecy is practiced by every presidential administration, it’s been taken to a new level by the ---- --------------. The willful disregard of the Freedom of Information Act by --------- ---- and ---- ------ during the past eight years has been unprecedented. From --------- --------- to lying about ----, this administration has shown a lack of respect regarding the need for transparency in a democracy. Okay, come on — who keeps blacking out the text? Whoever it is, just let us plug this movie: In their documentary Secrecy, Harvard profs Peter Galison and Robb Moss explore the perceived necessity for the U.S. government to sometimes keep its citizens in the dark. Today's screening includes a discussion panel featuring Robert Rosenthal, executive director of the Center for Investigative Reporting; ACLU attorney Ben Wizner; and Moss, moderated by former Chronicle editor Phil Bronstein.

The talk follows the 2 p.m. screening.
Sat., Oct. 25, 2 p.m., 2008