“Truth will out” is the biggest political fairy tale. As an investigative journalist, I have fought federal agencies for decades to squeeze out the details of boondoggles and atrocities. Unfortunately, most government coverups succeed. But there is no such thing as retroactive self-government. As Attorney General Ramsey Clark declared in 1967, “Nothing so diminishes democracy […]
Tag Archives | Freedom of Information Act
USA Today: Inspector General Report Shows Secrecy Threatens Democracy
USA TODAY, June 15, 2018 Inspector general’s report on FBI and Clinton’s emails shows secrecy threatens democracy James Bovard, Opinion columnist The 500-page inspector general’s report released Thursday reveals how unjustified secrecy and poor decisions helped ravage the credibility of both Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and the FBI. Yesterday’s Inspector General report on the FBI’s […]
The Hill: Washington secrecy is creating a know-nothing democracy
The Hill, May 9, 2017 Washington secrecy is creating a know-nothing democracy by James Bovard Washington may be more secretive nowadays than at any time in recent decades. Federal policymakers have become accustomed to rationing what they release while citizens are assured that official secrecy makes them more secure. But American democracy cannot survive perpetual […]
USA TODAY: Trump Must Expose Obama-Era Power Grabs
USA TODAY: Trump must expose Obama-era power grabs: Column By James Bovard, January 6, 2017 Opening the books on the outgoing administration would be a booster shot for democracy. President-elect Donald Trump will face pervasive doubts about his legitimacy from the day he takes office. His opponents will likely portray him as governing in unprecedented […]
FFF: Obama’s Fraudulent War on Corruption
Future of Freedom Foundation The Fraudulent Obama War on Corruption by James Bovard December 15, 2016 The Obama administration wants Americans to believe that it is fiercely anti-corruption. “I have been shocked by the degree to which I find corruption pandemic in the world today,” declared Secretary of State John Kerry at an Anti-Corruption Summit […]
Wash. Times: Hillary’s Anti-Transparency Bargain
Washington Times, October 27, 2016 Hillary’s Anti-Transparency Bargain by James Bovard President Obama recently condemned the Republican Party, claiming that its “central principle” is to suppress voting. But, while his administration piously pledges to protect voting rights, it has almost guaranteed that Americans will be blindfolded on Election Day. While the Justice Department will deploy […]