--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I would argue that in times of war…" description: "\"I would argue that in times of war, sealed lips sink entire democracies. If we don't have access to vital information, we lose everything.\" — Ted Gup" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d0c/ted-gup-21466_access_i-would-argue-that-in-times-of-war-seale_2668558.jpg" --- # I would argue that in times of war, sealed lips sink… ![“I would argue that in times of war, sealed lips sink entire democracies. If we don't have access to vital information, we lose everything.” quote by Ted Gup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d0c/ted-gup-21466_access_i-would-argue-that-in-times-of-war-seale_2668558.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d0c/ted-gup-21466_access_i-would-argue-that-in-times-of-war-seale_2668558.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d0c/ted-gup-21466_access_i-would-argue-that-in-times-of-war-seale_2668558.jpg) > “I would argue that in times of war, sealed lips sink entire democracies. If we don't have access to vital information, we lose everything.” [Ted Gup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-gup/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Secrecy in wartime erodes democracy; without vital information, societies collapse. **In simple terms:** Hidden truth harms democracy. Key Takeaway Demand transparency in conflict. Themes freedom information war Mood critical urgent Type political journalistic When to use this quote - journalism - civic engagement - policy analysis Key Concepts political theory media ethics Questions to Reflect On - What information is essential for a healthy democracy? - When should secrecy be justified? A Different Perspective Secrecy can protect national security. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Access](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/access/) [Democracies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracies/) [Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy/) [Lips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lips/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [When democracies don't deliver growth, alternatives seem more attractive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jens-martin-skibsted/when-democracies-don-t-deliver-growth-alternatives-seem-more/) [Jens Martin Skibsted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jens-martin-skibsted/) > [“Democracies don't even withstand formally half educated citizens. Courtesy, respect, and sensibility don't tend to ethical sense. 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We have to restore the protections of whistleblowers and also the encouragement and rewards. It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-gup/whistleblowers-is-another-aspect-that-needs-to-be-addressed-we-have/) [Ted Gup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-gup/) > [The press is going to have to learn anew that it's possible to work in an environment that is not so toxic and to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-gup/the-press-is-going-to-have-to-learn-anew-that-it-s-possible-to-work/) [Ted Gup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-gup/) > [If all these guys think that nothing is going to come out for 100 years, they're going to act a whole lot more boldly.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-gup/if-all-these-guys-think-that-nothing-is-going-to-come-out-for-100/) [Ted Gup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-gup/) > [It will be important to restore those provisions, those disclose provisions, those release provisions so that presidents are indeed held accountable and their information…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-gup/it-will-be-important-to-restore-those-provisions-those-disclose/) [Ted Gup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-gup/) > [And fourthly there is a major shift in public opinion and attitude to accommodate to the post-9/11 mentality and the Bush administration's penchant for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-gup/and-fourthly-there-is-a-major-shift-in-public-opinion-and-attitude-to/) [Ted Gup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-gup/) > [You have tens, hundreds of thousands of people in government, and just as many among contractors, who feel totally comfortable writing at the top…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-gup/you-have-tens-hundreds-of-thousands-of-people-in-government-and-just/) [Ted Gup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-gup/) > [One of the principal factors fueling the proliferation of the abuse of secrecy and sensitive but unclassifieds is the administration's adherence to the unitary…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-gup/one-of-the-principal-factors-fueling-the-proliferation-of-the-abuse/) [Ted Gup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-gup/) > [I don't think the question is if should we have a shield law. 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