The very word Secrecy is repugnant in a free and open society.
Interpretation
Secrecy undermines the principles of freedom and transparency in society.
John F. Kennedy's quote emphasizes the importance of openness and transparency in a democratic society. He suggests that the concept of secrecy is fundamentally opposed to the ideals of freedom, which rely on the open exchange of information and communication among citizens to ensure accountability and trust within governance and public institutions.
In practice
In a speech advocating for government transparency, one might quote Kennedy to highlight the need for openness.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
Censure acquits the raven, but pursues the dove.
None of us really changes over time. We only become more fully what we are.
We are not afraid of predators, we're transfixed by them, prone to weave stories and fables and chatter endlessly about them, because fascination creates preparedness, and preparedness, survival. In a deeply tribal way, we love our monsters.
The chief cause of human errors is to be found in the prejudices picked up in childhood.
America is a nation with many flaws, but hopes so vast that only the cowardly would refuse to acknowledge them.
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep; To sleep, perchance to dreamβFor in that sleep of death what dreams may come,When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause, there's the respect, That makes calamity of so long life
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