Freedoms at Risk, Says USA Today

USA Today has joined a number of other news media outlets in criticizing Bush Administration restrictions on public access to information. "Americans are being asked to give up their rights to information, with no evidence that it presents any real risk," the editorial states. "Today, the Bush administration is packaging its attempts to restrict information as a way to protect the war effort -- when in fact they could do the opposite. The moves violate the very spirit of freedom that America is fighting for. ... Americans overwhelmingly support the war on terrorism. But with danger at home and so many government vulnerabilities revealed by the Sept. 11 attacks, a well-informed public will be a key ingredient of victory. If Americans are to continue supporting the war, it will be crucial for them to know their enemy and know of their government's successes and failures."