Re: Common Cause fears the truth

In what countries do people have to get the government's opinion in a debate?

That sounds like the former Soviet Union; the People's Republic of China; Belarus since Lukashenka.

In what situations is it the role of security and intelligence organizations within governments to act as the mouthpiece of the government?

Sounds like the Politburo of the Soviet Empire or the KGB in Belarus.

Nobody is trying to subvert government policy - it was a panel discussion (open to anybody who wanted to go) about freedom of information and open government.    It is the right and duty of all citizens to engage in debate and discussion of what the people's government does.  The event was part of a week dedicated to people being able to find out what the government is doing in their name.  How can participants in that be accused of depending "on the fact that most people will believe what they're told and not find out for themselves?"  The government and the FBI are not exactly short of opportunities to give their side on the Patriot Act.  There are enough journalists in the TV, radio and print media who support the act that I don't lose sleep about whether government policy is given a fair hearing.

Whether La Perla respects Common Cause or the League is not of particular concern.  The facts are that Common Cause is a 35 year old grassroots organization with 300,000 members and supporters in all 50 states, 38 state chapters and a strong record of non-partisan work to hold government accountable to the people.  The League of Women Voters is over 85 years old, with over 900 local and state Leagues which also work to promote openness in government on a non-partisan basis.  I can think of many people who have respect for them and us.