As I read the news each day, almost with fail, I read an article that contains one of the following statements or something similar:

* "People briefed on the negotiations told The Associated Press Thursday that the last specifics of the deal are being worked out. These people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the situation."

* "The pirates have summoned assistance -- skiffs and mother ships are heading towards the area from the coast," said a Nairobi-based diplomat, who spoke on condition on anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media. "We knew they were gathering yesterday."

* "One senior Pentagon official, speaking on grounds of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, described the incident now as a 'somewhat of a standoff.'"

* "The military officials asked not to be named because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the case."

* "The U.S. official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. A Pentagon spokesman had no immediate comment."

* "Most of those who chose to leave took early retirement offers, said a person familiar with the numbers who did not want to be identified because the breakdown had not been made public. There were very few who took the buyouts, the person said."

These statements are being made not only by business leaders but also at the highest levels of our government, diplomats, Pentagon and military officials. When did it become acceptable to discuss confidential and sensitive matters publicly with the press simply by speaking anonymously?

I submit that our country is worse off at this time because those in whom we place our trust and confidence cannot keep the confidences they are entrusted with.

THOMAS K. SORENSEN

Elkhart