Transparency is good, says presidential historian, regarding releasing the JFK, RFK and MLK assassination records
As the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. approaches, the debate over releasing previously classified documents related to the killings of JFK, RFK, and MLK continues. Presidential historian and author, Dr. Douglas Brinkley, believes that releasing these records is essential for promoting transparency and accuracy in historical understanding.
Dr. Brinkley, who has written extensively on the Kennedy era, argues that the government has a responsibility to be open and honest about the past. “Transparency is good,” he says. “It’s good for historians, it’s good for the country, and it’s good for the public’s understanding of history.”
The FBI has already released some documents related to the assassinations, but many more remain classified. Dr. Brinkley believes that these remaining records should be released, citing the importance of complete and accurate historical records.
“This is not just about conspiracy theories or speculation,” Dr. Brinkley said. “It’s about making sure that the historical record is complete and accurate. We want to know what really happened, and we can’t do that if we don’t have access to all the information.”
Dr. Brinkley also notes that the release of these records would not only be beneficial for historians, but also for the public. “People have a right to know what happened,” he said. “They have a right to know the truth. And by releasing these records, we can finally put to rest some of the conspiracy theories and speculation that have surrounded these events for so long.”
In recent years, Congress has passed legislation requiring the FBI to release most of the remaining classified documents by 2029. However, Dr. Brinkley believes that this process should be expedited, citing the importance of transparency and the public’s right to know the truth.
Ultimately, Dr. Brinkley believes that releasing the JFK, RFK, and MLK assassination records would be a step towards promoting transparency and accuracy in historical understanding. “Transparency is good,” he says. “It’s good for history, and it’s good for the country.”
