Airline Quote by Benjamin Wittes
“Asking journalists to denounce leaks because of their deleterious effects on the functioning of government is as hopeless as asking an airline to denounce jet fuel because of its impact on the environment.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Press Freedom, The Atlantic Council, 2015
Press freedom is compromised when journalists are blamed for leaks, just as airlines are blamed for fuel’s environmental impact.
In simple terms: Blaming journalists for leaks is futile, like blaming airlines for fuel.
Key Takeaway
Avoid scapegoating; protect source transparency.
Themes
press freedom
government
environmental impact
accountability
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- government investigations
- journalist source protection
- environmental regulation
- public discourse
Key Concepts
media ethics
public policy
environmental responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we protect whistleblowers without harming press freedom?
- What alternatives exist to address leaks responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Scapegoating ignores systemic issues and may suppress vital information.
