With its usual ironic poignancy, The Onion pokes fun at the CIA’s penchant for secrecy. At the same time, however, their November 30, 2005 article rasies some very real concerns for historians.
“Why did it go on for this long, and this far?” said Goss in a press conference called shortly after the report’s release. “I’m as frustrated as anyone. You can’t read a single thing that’s been highlighted. Had I been there to advise [former CIA director] Allen Dulles, I would have suggested the traditional yellow color—or pink
Goss added: “There was probably some really, really important information in these documents.”
When asked by a reporter if the black ink was meant to intentionally obscure, Goss countered, “Good God, why?”
Goss lamented the fact that the public will probably never know the particulars of such historic events as the Cold War, the civil-rights movement, or the growth of the international drug trade.
“I’m sure the CIA played major roles in all these things,” Goss said. “But now we’ll never know for sure.”
Indeed, we may never know for sure. With the “highlighting” of such documents, historians must rely on the principles involved, ideally the ones responsible for producing the information. Unfortunately, those individuals are usually less than forthcoming with “highlighted” items. There is hope, however. If we’re lucky, some of those privy to the redacted information keep personal diaries.
If nothing else, It’s funny because it’s true. I do love The Onion. Today’s headline reads, “Badly Injured Man Not Done Partying Yet.” Hilarious.
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