And the spectators must not be allowed to see too much. President Obama has set new standards in safeguarding this principle. He has, in fact, punished more whistle-blowers than all previous presidents combined, a real achievement for an administration that came to office promising transparency.
In "Who Rules the World?", Noam Chomsky discusses the concept of controlling public perception and limiting transparency in governance. He highlights the importance of maintaining a barrier between the public and certain information, suggesting that too much visibility can undermine authority. This notion of allowing spectators to see only what is deemed appropriate aligns with broader themes of power and control.
Chomsky points out that President Obama, despite his administration's commitment to transparency, has notably increased the punishment of whistle-blowers, surpassing all his predecessors. This paradox illustrates the tension between the ideals of openness and the realities of political governance, as the administration's actions contradict its promised values.
