I'm of the opinion that any person that will not go on the record doesn't really have anything of importance to say; how much courage does it take to have someone else run a story, even if it becomes news-worthy.

The underlying motive here is sensationalism. We are living in an age where tabloid type news sells. We like contraversy and if the other-side is caught, all the better.

What we are missing is truth and honesty. Truth is worth going on the record for. I've heard that there are numerous reasons why individuals won't go on the record, here are two such reasons:

I might lose my job. In this case, if truth is not as important that your job, use discretion and keep silent; you have nothing to say that is relevant as your present job is more important than the truth you possess.

I might cause individuals to focus on me; the policy is that we let the focus be on someone else. Use discretion and keep silent, you have nothing to say that is relevant. Policy is there for a purpose, follow it.

Whatever the reason for anonimity. It is a farse. If everyone has to go on the record then the public would be somewhat assured of getting to the honest truth.

Now for reality, we will never go to full disclosure because we can't handle the truth as it requires being honest, and all men are liars.

p.s. Saddam Hussein in his shorts? Get on the record!

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