Words fall short: Obama’s promise of transparency run-over by exceptions

While this current administration has promised greater transparency in government, words fall short with the number of deviations where the rule doesn’t apply.

How convenient.

What is the point in making promises, if there is no follow-through, or if these promises are run-over by continuous exceptions to the rule?

Supposedly we the “little” people are in a much more open relationship with this current administration, but secrets and the lack of transparency never make for a good relationship.

Under the Freedom of Information Act exception, also known as the “deliberative process” exemption, the government can withhold records that “describe decision-making behind the scenes,” according to the Associated Press (AP).

In addition, AP says, “The government’s track record under the Freedom of Information Act is widely considered a principal measurement of how transparently it makes decisions. When Obama promised last year to be more open he said doing so “encourages accountability through transparency,” and said: “My administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in government.”

Over one year in office, and we are still waiting, and agree with Obama as he said, “Our work is not done,” as he boasted during Sunshine Week about the wonderful strides this administration has made to ensure a more open and transparent government in reference to the White house release of their visitor logs and federal data online, further stating that his administration was “to be the most open and transparent ever.”

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