Ramsey Clark

About the author: Ramsey Clark, attorney general during the Lyndon Johnson administration, is an international lawyer and human rights advocate.

Covert action by the United States damages democracy by violating the trust of its citizens. Unfortunately, American government has been involved in covert action since its inception. Examples of covert action include CIA assassinations of foreign and domestic leaders who threaten U.S. interests, and the slaughtering of innocent civilians during wartime. These secret actions also exploit and impoverish the people of targeted nations. Covert action will doubtless continue because it is supported by international organizations, the media, and corporate officials who benefit from it.

Nothing is more destructive of democracy or peace and freedom through the rule of law than secret criminal acts by government. The fact, or appearance, of covert action by government agents...