In a democracy, do not elected officials have a right to keep secrets from the people?

[kentuck]

24. Thanks a lot!

A few sections do present situations with a lot of questions:

&quot 5) A finding may not authorize any action that would violate the Constitution or any statute of the United States. "

And only the President may present a finding, is that correct?

Also:

&quot 2) If the President determines that it is essential to limit access to the finding to meet extraordinary circumstances affecting vital interests of the United States, the finding may be reported to the chairmen and ranking minority members of the congressional intelligence committees, the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, and such other member or members of the congressional leadership as may be included by the President. "

So this is the small gang that is supposedly running our government? And who swears them to secrecy? Would that not be their superiors?

And:

&quot f) Prohibition on covert actions intended to influence United States political processes, etc.
No covert action may be conducted which is intended to influence United States political processes, public opinion, policies, or media. "

Prohibits from influencing public opinion? Really?

I have no idea when this part of the code was added or revised, but it assumes the President is aware of everything and must sign off on everything with a finding and report it to certain members of Congress. There is someone advising the President, I suppose? Who would that be? The CIA? The NSA?

If we decide to go into Syria, for example, is it because the President wishes to go or is it someone else demanding that the President do what is in the "national interest"? What makes them the experts?