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October 29, 2009

Obama's 'Least Transparent Administration in History'

Topics: Political News and commentaries

Quin Hillyer's superb op-ed at the Washington Times ties together the multiple fronts of administration stonewalling - Honduras, New Black Panther Party, Gerry Walpin, Rahm Emanuel's Freddie Mac Board Minutes, Humana, etc. - against the backdrop of Obama's transparency pledges that have turned out to be transparently phony.

Here's and excerpt from "Transparent nonsense":

When it came to divulging basic information, it was Richard Nixon's administration that became infamous for the phrase, and practice, of "modified, limited hangout." Now the Obama administration has abandoned all but the "limited" part. The candidate whose most identifiable promise was to provide open and transparent government instead is leading an administration rife with secrecy, stonewalling and prevarication.

The administration repeatedly has stiff-armed Congress, the media, outside organizations and even a prestigious independent government commission. It has raised "none of your business" from an adolescent rejoinder to a public policy - to keep the public in the dark.

Before examining examples of this alarming trend, let's remember what newly inaugurated President Obama said in a big press conference on Jan. 21, his first full day in office. His words and tone could not have been more clear:

"The way to hold government accountable is to make it transparent so that the American people can know exactly what decisions are being made [and] how they're being made. ... Starting today, every agency and department should know that this administration stands on the side not of those who seek to withhold information, but those who seek to make it known. ... The mere fact that you have the legal power to keep something secret does not mean you should always use it."

Fine sentiments. But this is the same president who promised to abide by campaign spending limits - until the time came actually to do it. Likewise, these pledges were quickly tossed into the sewer of power politics.

Continue reading - Transparent nonsense.

H/t - Andy McCarthy

Posted by Abdul at October 29, 2009 7:49 AM

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