Seymour Hersh

"Officials lie routinely; that is what institutions do."

"The role of a free press is to be free of those in power."

"Power without accountability is tyranny, however democratic it claims to be."

"Following documents is following truth."

"Those who seek transparency have nothing to hide."

"History validates those who ask the right questions."

"The public interest is the only interest that justifies publication."

"Secrecy is the enemy of accountability and democracy."

"Courage in journalism means publishing despite pressure not to."

"The truth is not relative; facts are facts."

"Institutions protect their own until forced otherwise."

"A healthy democracy requires citizens to demand answers."

"Those in power would prefer comfortable lies to uncomfortable truths."

"Persistence in pursuit of truth is a moral imperative."

"Power structures defend themselves with classification and compartmentalization."

"The best protection against abuse is public awareness."

"Journalism serves democracy only when it is willing to challenge power."

"Documents don't have agendas; institutions do."

"Those who whistleblow often do so because conscience demands it."

"Historical truth depends on those willing to pursue it despite obstacles."

"Power's greatest vulnerability is its fear of exposure."

"A free press is free only when it questions authority."

"The public has a right to know what governments do in their name."

"Truth-telling is not betrayal; silence is complicity."

"Facts accumulated over time paint a clearer picture than official denials."

"Power requires secrecy; democracy requires transparency."

"The function of the press is to expose the abuse of power, not to protect it"

"I've learned that the truth is often hidden in plain sight, buried under layers of official statements"

"Democracy requires an informed citizenry willing to ask difficult questions"

"The most dangerous lie is the one told by people who believe it themselves"