Recent Erosion of Public Confidence in Government
Abstract
The confidence of the American public in their government has eroded seriously in recent years due to unwarranted and unjustified secrecy, lying by government officials and the impression that government officials are misleading the public through news manipulation. While such tactics are not new in our country, they run counter to the ideals and values that this democracy was based upon. With present techniques of information gathering, processing and transmission, such attempts at chicanery have less chance of success today than in former years. Each instance discovered heightens public skepticism. The implications for the military are serious. The profession of arms in a democracy depends on the trust and support of the people. As agents of the executive branch, those charged with the defense of the country may find their effectiveness limited by being included in the general disaffection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0778909
Entities
People
- Richard D. Cohen
Organizations
- United States Army War College