just to drift a bit, the bugging of the UN just seems to be symptomatic of a huge problem - the lack of respect that some recent western governments have for the UN and its peacekeeping & mediating role.

there has been such a shift in power, with the coalition of the willies acting independently, against the advice of the UN, in invading Iraq.

i have heard people say that this disrespect for the UN coincided with the arrival of Kofi Annan as head, and that some countries were fundamentally unable to accept a non-western leader of the UN.

tapping, bugging, monitoring, spooking - technology has placed huge power into the hands of controlling elites, allowing them to listen, plan and second guess allies, enemies, and their own civilians.

Big brother is indeed watching.

the problem with these speaking out dilemmas is that nothing is clear or balck and white - everything can be viewed through various dogmas, political contexts or personal experiences.

ministers are not meant to lie to the populace. of course there are continual cover ups, lies, pragmatic moves happening continuously and as a matter of necessity of government.

where ministers should speak out I believe is where secret government decisions lead to loss of life or persecution of individuals or particualr groups of people.