Given the many rumors and stories about the months and even years leading up to the Islamic terrorists’ attacks on 9/11, I am not surprised about the latest information revealed by Rep. Curt Weldon. That Lee Hamilton, co-chairman of the 9/11 Commission, is insisting on a thorough investigation of these claims is at least a bit heartening.

Unfortunately, there is much reason for concern – especially since so much of what is known about our government’s law enforcement and intelligence operations leading up to the attacks, and their actions since have been kept deep dark secrets. This includes highly suspect abuses of U.S. law under the guise of “terrorist investigations” as well as the investigations of the 9/11 Commission.

The most dangerous acts of a democratic government are the concealment of its actions which have violated the laws and constitutions that form the basis of the nation and government. There is really very little room for secrecy in any form of a democracy, and this is especially true when the secrets implicate highly negligent and criminal acts by government officials.

The revelations of Rep. Weldon raise the specter of dirty secrets that endanger this nation and its citizens, and if his allegations prove to be accurate, then we should assume that there is still more hidden away.

It is time for all Americans, and especially the news media to forcefully call for the opening of most if not all the classified files about government operations related to terrorism in the years leading up to the destruction of the World Trade Center towers.

Randall Hofland

Stockton Springs