Before the Cold War in the United States, citizens trusted and believed the government was acting in their best interests, an open democracy looking out for its people and the broader world. The “national security state” refers to the government placing the goal of protecting the security of the nation above all else. The explosion of national security threats during the onset of the Cold War era led to the creation of many national security agencies and an institution of militarized national security. (Dean 611) Yet, this national security state led to “cultures of secrecy”. The actions of the government were largely kept a secret, and these concealed actions of the government were then justified by reasons of national security (Dean 612).
In rural Nevada and Utah, the testing of nuclear weapons highlights the national security state and cultures of secrecy. When the Atomic Energy Commission began testing in rural Nevada, those who lived close to the site did not find it threatening as they believed and trusted that there was no cause for concern (Fox 2). However, when nearby sheep herds began suffering devastating losses from mysterious ailments and ranchers downwind began to die, questions were raised. The AEC and Public Health Services did not explain the measurements that were being taken and reassured citizens that there was no reason to be fearful of the tests (Fox 5). Yet, ranchers believed that radiation from the nuclear tests was causing health concerns, and an official investigation took place. Despite evidence that proved the ranchers to be right, the AEC had an agenda to support its cause (Fox 10). While citizens suspected a coverup, the AEC and the government maintained there was no risk (Fox 11). By placing the development of nuclear weapons and the arms race with the Soviet Union above the health of its citizens and their livelihoods, the national security state and its desire to protect the nation above all else can be seen. In the end, the “imperatives of national security” outweighed the concerns of and for the ranchers (Fox 19).
I think the national security state still exists today largely because of the associated cultural aspects that come with it. The Cold War ended and the War on Terror began about a decade later, so the ideas of protecting the nation and national defense have continued throughout and still exist in the US government decisions. Additionally, the culture of secrecy that came from the national security state led to this switch in American culture and the relationship between people and government, and that change is still present. I would say there is a high level of distrust in our government. There is still the cultural obsession that Dean (612) pointed out of hysteria and conspiracy. All sorts of conspiracy theories about our government and its doings litter the internet. I think a large part of it has likely carried over from coverups of the past, but also I think there is still a lot of secrecy surrounding government actions and things justified by national security threats.
Will Wright 
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I agree with your interpretation of how the government justified its actions by using national security as an excuse, thus creating cultures of secrecy. The example is given of how, even when the ranchers and their economic lifeline were dying, national security was given priority, which boosts your definition of the national security state. I agree with the argument that the national security state exists today. The use of cultural obsession is interesting to me as it makes one realize how the cultures of secrecy have created paranoia amongst people, thus causing the litter of conspiracies on the internet. A point of contention I have is that cultural aspects cause the culture of secrecy to continue existing. The threats to national security faced in modern times, such as cyber security and terrorism, require some secrecy. The real national security threats can be amplified if details of operations to deal with such threats are known.
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