The Hidden Hand

The very word "secrecy" is repugnant
In a free and open society
And we are as a people
Inherently and historically
Opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths
And to secret proceedings
But we are opposed around the world
By a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy

That relies primarily on covert means
For expanding its sphere of influence
On infiltration instead of invasion
On subversion instead of elections
On intimidation instead of free choice
On guerrillas by night instead of armies by day

But here's a system which has conscripted
Vast human and material resources
Into the building of a tightly knit, highly efficient machine
That combines military, diplomatic, intelligence
Economic, scientific, and political operations

Its preparations are concealed, not published
Its mistakes are buried, not headlined
Its dissenters are silenced, not praised
No expenditure is questioned
No rumor is printed
No secret is revealed