Robert Rogalski—Donald Rumsfeld’s director of security—said that the general public is not all that happy about government secrecy, and DOD should do something about it. He was speaking at a recent National Archives symposium. He said that there is too much subjectivity involved in the process of classifying documents and materials, and it makes DOD’s job easier if the American public doesn’t think bureaucrats are trying to hide behind secrets. The number of personnel authorized to classify documents has been reduced by 14 percent, he added and minimum training requirements have been put in place for the rest.
Billy Mitchell: Lessons a Hundred Years Hence
Dec. 16, 2025
Exactly 100 years ago, on Dec. 17, 1925, Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell was convicted by court-martial for violating an order that required approval before he could engage with the media. Mitchell’s provocative thoughts and unorthodox methods sought attention for a cause that he saw as uniquely American.
