Washington Cover-Up

A political commentary written in the early 1960s. The book examines the implications of government secrecy in democracy, arguing that transparency and accountability are crucial for effective governance. Mollenhoff, a seasoned journalist, draws on his experiences to illustrate how bureaucratic secrecy has impacted congressional investigations and the public's right to know. The opening of the book discusses the author's belief that the free flow of information is fundamental to democracy, stressing the need for citizens to be aware of government actions. Mollenhoff argues that secrecy undermines the accountability of elected officials and can shield corruption and mismanagement from public scrutiny. He introduces historical examples of government responses to congressional inquiries and details how executive privilege has increasingly been used to deny access to vital information, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of notable scandals and misuses of power within government institutions.