A democracy works best when the people have all the information that the security of the Nation permits. No one should be able to pull curtains of secrecy around decisions which can be revealed without injury to the public interest. At the same time, the welfare of the Nation or the rights of individuals may require that some documents not be made available. As long as threats to peace exist, for example, there must be military secrets. A citizen must be able in confidence to complain to his Government and to provide information, just as he is–and should be–free to confide in the press without fear of reprisal or of being required to reveal or discuss his sources.


"Statement by the President Upon Signing the "Freedom of Information Act", July 4, 1966. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project. - Statement on the Freedom of Information Act (1966)

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Lyndon B. Johnson Quotes

A democracy works best when the people have all the information that the security of the Nation permits. No one should be able to pull curtains of...

A democracy works best when the people have all the information that the security of the Nation permits. No one should be able to pull curtains of...

A democracy works best when the people have all the information that the security of the Nation permits. No one should be able to pull curtains of...

A democracy works best when the people have all the information that the security of the Nation permits. No one should be able to pull curtains of...