Ability Quote by Newt Gingrich
“If we really care about safety we would close down WikiLeaks. We would treat the people at WikiLeaks as enemy combatants. We would declare that the kind of thing this private did is treason. WikiLeaks is not a fun and games event. WikiLeaks undermines profoundly the ability of the United States to work around the world. Why would you, if you were a foreigner thinking about helping the United States, why would you confide anything to an American when you know that it could end up in The New York Times based on some leak?”
About This Quote
Security concerns can lead to extreme censorship, threatening openness and trust.
In simple terms: Prioritizing safety may justify suppressing information.
Balance security with transparency.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government policy
- journalism
- digital platforms
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect both security and free speech?
- How can leaks be responsibly managed?
Over‑censorship can erode democratic values.