Like most candidates for President, Barack Obama in 2008 promised a more transparent administration, saying the business of the White House is “the public’s business.”
And, as with most candidates who actually become President, Obama lied through his teeth with the claim.
Obama the President hides information from the public, thwarts attempts to obtain information on his actions and censors more than even predecessor George W. Bush.
To add a final nail in the coffin containing broken promises, Obama last week claims a six-year-old court ruling eliminates him and his office from any and all requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the federal law that is supposed to allow the public to access documents.
Obama calls his action a “overdue rule change.” Others see it for what is is: The latest craven act of a President who considers himself and his administration above the law and the people he was supposed to serve.
The White House claims the U.S. Court of Appeals in 2009 rules that the Office of Administration — The White House — is not an agency as defined under FOIA and, therefore, is not subject to the law.
Ironically, the White House under George W. Bush filed a legal challenge to FOIA. Bush tried to ignore the law but was sued by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
The Court ruled in 2009 that the Office of Administration “performs only operational and administrative tasks in support of the President and his staff” and is not an independent authority covered by FOIA.
Obama promised “the most transparent government in U.S. history” in his campaign. His record as President is just the opposite. The White House blocks many FOIA and, in 2013, denied more requests than at any time in history.
A study by The Associated Press last year found Obama has sharply increased secrecy and censorship since become President.
Obama, the candidate, lied.
Obama, the President, continues to lie.
Case closed.
