Freedom Quote by Henry A. Kissinger
![“Before the Freedom of Information Act, I used to say at meetings "The illegal we do immediately. The unconstitutional takes a little longer." [...] But since the Freedom of Information Act, I'm afraid to say things like that.” quote by Henry A. Kissinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6dc/henry-a-kissinger-1068_freedom_before-the-freedom-of-information-act-i_25339.jpg)
“Before the Freedom of Information Act, I used to say at meetings "The illegal we do immediately. The unconstitutional takes a little longer." [...] But since the Freedom of Information Act, I'm afraid to say things like that.”
About This Quote
The quote highlights how transparency laws curb the ability to act swiftly and unlawfully, forcing officials to be more cautious and accountable.
In simple terms: Transparency curtails unchecked power.
Key Takeaway
Freedom of information forces restraint.
Themes
accountability
government transparency
legal risk
bureaucracy
ethics
Mood
cautious
reflective
skeptical
Type
political
humorous
cautionary
When to use this quote
- policy meetings
- legislative hearings
- media inquiries
- public records requests
Key Concepts
FOIA
executive discretion
political rhetoric
Practical Applications
- legal compliance training
- government ethics workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- How does transparency affect decision‑making?
- What are the limits of legal immunity?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that FOIA enhances democratic oversight rather than merely inhibiting misconduct.
![“[The Freedom of Information Act is] the Taj Mahal of the Doctrine of Unanticipated Consequences, the Sistine Chapel of Cost-Benefit Analysis Ignored.” quote by Antonin Scalia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/antonin-scalia-2855_analysis_the-freedom-of-information-act-is-the-ta_2264645.jpg)
