It often necessary, even desirable, for political leaders to withhold information from the public

“Of the people, by the people and for the people”

                                    -------------------Abraham Lincoln

I agree on the conclusion that the political leaders can withhold information, but only on condition that its aim is purely for the interest of citizens.

It is reasonable and responsible for political leaders to withhold certain information from individuals. Since the essence of the democracy, just as what Lincoln, a former president of the United States of America with high reputation once said, is that the government should be ruled by citizens instead of ruling over them, the political leaders are supposed to be the servant of the citizens, who pay the taxes and lend supports the to the government. Further these leaders are required to serve to assure the citizens’ interest. As a result, political leaders should withhold some information when it is more beneficial to withhold it for the fundamental and complete interest of all citizens. For example, if the political leaders uncover all secrets of the location, size and other information about the military base of the army, as a result, the evil countries might set out a strike on these bases and then severely threat the safety of the citizens, since the army is our Uncle Sam who protects our citizens from bullies at home. In short, it is necessary to withhold such information or would damage the citizens’ long-term interest.

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However, it is really dangerous if political leaders are entitled the rights to withhold the information whatever they want. Just as an English political theorist, Thomas Paine once said, Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one."  it is really against the trend of the development of the society and democracy for political leaders to withhold information not for the interest of citizens but for themselves. What is worse, the political leaders usually have more power and resources to do so. For example, the “Water Gate” event is just a good case to illustrate this considerably serious problem. In order to prevent such events from happening, laws, restrictions and media scrutiny are required to play important roles. Besides, based on work ethics, the political leader also should not withhold such information, which may do bad effects to their own interest. As a result, the political leaders are required to work faithfully and to uncover all secrets and information unless it is involved in the ultimate interest of citizens.

 What is more, in the long term, it is also unreasonable for political leaders do that way considering their reputations. Maybe in a short period, the political leaders can make use of political power and resource to cover their scandals and be free from the punishment, however, the scandals will be uncovered one day without any doubt. And it will do far more damage to the political leader’s interest. Take Bill Clinton, a former U. S president, for example, he once tried to cover his sex scandal by using his power of the president, which is entitled by the U.S citizens, but has to take the risk of losing the presidency just for his attempts to cover the scandals.

In sum, the political leaders, who are elected and entitled the rights by the citizens, will, should, and must withhold no information only for the interest of citizens.