Issue 38, Spring 1991
During the Persian Gulf war, NCAC protested to Defense Secretary Cheney, with other groups, about Pentagon press restraints which far exceeded the need to protect lives. Public acceptance of the extreme restrictions shows a tenuous understanding of the reasons for press freedom. There has been strong support from NCAC Friends who understand that empty claims of national security can allow government to conceal what the public has a right to know and dominate the debate without challenge. Some, however, wrote us that in wartime free press principles must be set aside.