Secrets

Secrets are like the medusa with its many moving aspects and arms. I am not fond of secrets, preferring information to be open, but stating that is, of course, naive. Secrets fall into the domain of the holder. It's up to  individuals or other bodies to manage the secrets they hold. Most affairs are able to be revealed while others are not. Governmental bodies are leaning strongly toward opening public awareness and offering information as a tool in the prevention of suspicion and negativism. And it is true that trust can only be earned through  revelation. The more truth, the more trust. Personal and private secrets are exempt, naturally, if they have to do with matters that are only personal and private. At a meeting I attended recently, the elected executive presented a motion that all their meetings would in future be in camera and that observers at their executive meetings would not be welcome. Observers, by law or rule, are not allowed to speak at executive meetings, but they hear what is presented and know exactly what issues council discusses and decides upon. The laws or rules also protect certain private information by allowing executives to call for moving into in camera sessions. The reason the in camera motion for all meetings of executive, was the fear that discussions among the executive might be passed on by the observers to the detriment of the organization,  thus the motion to go entirely and always, into the secrecy of in camera. There is, indeed, valid concern in that conclusion. One must assume that observers, being directly involved as members of the body, in matters of the executive, will be discreet. There is always fear of rumor and that, too, is valid. But observers as electors of the executive, a trust position, should have the intelligence to quell information that is not suitable to talk about publicly. There again, trust works both ways, Executive trusts those who attend their meetings and those observing should honor that right and use discretion. But rumors will happen. It's part of human nature to love speculating and guessing and bandying about issues. In some ways, it is helpful to look at issues in many different ways and consider outcomes, both real and speculative.  At the same time, it can be dangerous, but only if those listening and discussing, forget to seek out verification of information gained via rumor mills before passing on information. Facts remain facts, and need to be polished up a bit by finding those who have them. Group dynamics have rules and these are to find leaders who will do the work of many to help the few, but with trust that is mutually respected. Secrets need to be harnessed and let out, occasionally, for airing. But watch out that they don't gallop off!