We live in a democracy-one that fundamentally is based on the concept of transparency. Americans value and expect that the government is accountable to the electorate. Citizens surrender large parts of their personal wealth to support the government, and in turn they expect their elected officials to ensure the government is sensibly and correctly run, under pain of being cast out. The military serves at the pleasure of elected officials and their constituents. The Navy must justify itself to the American people, present itself transparently, and not only allow but also foster a free and open exchange of ideas about how to be its best self. After all, the U.S. government spends more money on defense, every year, than on education, transportation infrastructure, and scientific or medical research, and the nation's citizens deserve to know their money is well spent.
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