The workings of governments, like people, ought not to be transparent. Governments should not share certain things because once they are out there you cannot take it back, same goes for people.
In The Prince, Machiavelli makes a point of never leaving oneself without options of getting out of an agreement or promise. “It is necessary, therefore, to be a fox in order to know the traps, and a lion to frighten the wolves. … And so, a wise ruler cannot, nor should he, keep his word when doing so would be to his advantage and when the reasons that led him to make promises no longer exist.” (C, 236)
In the New York times article, it cites that certain things should be kept out the purview of others. “[Tunku Vardarajan, an conservative commentator said] ‘Diplomacy, to work at all effectively, must draw a line between the ‘consultative process’ and the ‘work product.’ This is but part of the human condition: Human beings need to consult, speculate, brainstorm, argue with each other — yes, even to gossip and say dopey things — in order to find their way through the difficult task of coming to an official, or publicly stated position which would then be open (legitimately) to criticism.’” (NY Times Article)
“[Zadie Smith] fears that by sharing so much — and having so much shared about themselves — these young people have lost any hope for an inner life. [She wrote] ‘I am dreaming of a Web that caters to a kind of person who no longer exists … A private person, a person who is a mystery, to the world and — which is more important — to [their self]’’ (NY Times Article)
Some things whether it deals with an individual or governments should not be put out there; For once it is out there it “cannot go back in the bag”.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/06/business/media/06link.html?_r=1&hp
