Comments on: Transparency and Rule of Law Touchstones of this Presidency

By: America and the World After Bush: Economics and Globalization

America and the World After Bush: Economics and Globalization — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:05:31 +0000

[...] accidental tax evader Timothy Geithner prepares to take over at Treasury in an administration where transparency and the rule of law will be touchstones, it’s an excellent time to begin looking at the global [...]

By: Leisureguy

Leisureguy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:49:52 +0000

This post compares some specifics between Bush's view of transparency (somewhat like Cheney's) and what Obama has done so far.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:48:01 +0000

Well, I did point out a specific action that supports his pledge.

Right. And Clinton and Bush took similar actions.

The presidency has a way of forcing people to cocoon. I hope Obama manages to resist.

By: Leisureguy

Leisureguy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:25:17 +0000

Well, I did point out a specific action that supports his pledge.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:10:16 +0000

Any actual examples of a lack of transparency, or are we now in ideological space instead of reality?

I'm sure he fully intends to be super duper transparent, just as Clinton wished to be ethical and Bush to be dignified. My point is that such proclamations have a way of not being realized in due course.

By: Leisureguy

Leisureguy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:24:05 +0000

Any actual examples of a lack of transparency, or are we now in ideological space instead of reality?

By: rodney dill

rodney dill — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:18:44 +0000

I have to admit, when I think of Obama, 'Transparent' does come to mind.

By: Leisureguy

Leisureguy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:45:32 +0000

On a positive note, Obama has directed all federal agencies to comply with the FOIA and lean toward disclosure instead of secrecy. The Bush Administration was VERY big on secrecy and fought and stalled FOIA requests at every turn. So I would say there is evidence of a move toward transparency. Of course, this is only day 2.

By: Triumph

Triumph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:54:38 +0000

George W. Bush — who merely promised to “restore honor and dignity” to the White House.

Yes--that was his 2004 campaign message.