Wikileaks links versus transparency -- and the local angle

     Transparency in the government is the ideal. As is the Barbie Doll.
     The ideal, but not the real.
     Wiki leaks publishes candid correspondence between individuals who are working through a process that will eventually evolve into a policy. How soon do we have a right to know what is being said, and by whom? How accurate are those first remarks? Are there new facts and changes in perspective that come later, but do not have the sensational appeal of the early assessments? Which is more accurate, and is the public really served by total, absolute transparency?
     As a life-long newsman, I have always heal that virtually everything that happens is a process, and too much information before it's an action is not really of any value.
     When I was an editor for newspapers, I wanted my reporters to know what was going on, even if they could not report anything because when the time came, time was of the essence. I encouraged reporters to develop sources who could tell them background before an action was taken, so they'd have the context when they had action to report on deadline.
      Decision makers in any venue -- business, politics, the family, even the newsroom -- like to have their ducks in a row before they let anyone else know what's going on. It makes dealing with the pressures of feedback, or blow back, easier. In some cases, keeping the cards close to the vest makes it easier to accomplish the mission, achieve the goals.
     Dad knows they can't afford a trip to Disney World this year, so he's thinking about Ocean City again. But there's a chance that a bonus later in the month will change that, so don't make any announcements just yet, and avoid unnecessary drama.
     A business plans a new product, but the timing is crucial, and you don't want the competition to come out a day before you do, so you choose the time and place to hold the grand announcement.
     The newsroom has a story idea, but it does not want to be wrong, so it waits. But the competition might have a source, too, so -- put pressure on the reporters to dig and get someone to talk before the deeds are done.
     The point of this is, speculation makes for busy work, but it can be a disservice to a lot of people. So you use discretion, move carefully, even at the risk of appearing circumspect.
     So much for transparency? Perhaps, but there is something to be said for what my father always said: Be sure you're right, then go ahead.