Republicans blocking Freedom of Information Act bill, Judiciary Chairman says

[IChing]

Source: Rawstory

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) issued a Friday afternoon statement criticizing Republican colleagues for holding up an open government bill that seeks to reform the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and end delays in government compliance with requests for information.

"The Republican obstructionism continues in the Senate and the latest casualty is Americans’ access to their government," Senator Leahy said. "I am deeply disappointed that Republicans continue to block attempts to pass the Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act” (“OPEN Government Act”).

In Senate floor action on July 26, Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) held up passage of Leahy's legislation.

"It is my understanding that there are ongoing discussions with both sides of the aisle as well as the administration to come up with bipartisan consensual language on this issue and that we are unable to get clear the agreement at this time," Cochran said in his floor statement.

Read more: http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Senator_accuses_GOP_of_blocking_open_0727.html

[aquart]

1. Truth is the enemy of the Republicans.

They do everything they can to prevent truth being told.

[dollie300]

2. Truth is always the enemy of evil. n/t

[Lerkfish]

3. and why exactly couldn't we be "obstructionist" in the minority before the last elections?

certainly seems like it was an acheivable goal.

[Mz Pip]

4. Funny

I wonder if they will be inclined to do the same thing under a Clinton presidency or and Obama presidency. I somehow doubt it.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[5X]

5. I just emailed one of my republican senators asking him to support this bill

as should any true patriotic american that believes in democracy.
lets see what happens.

[C_U_L8R]

6. "They hate us for our freedom"

ooooooh..they were talking about themselves. The royal 'they'.

[rodeodance]

7. its the only thing they have left--NO ideas--just obstruct.

[Harry Monroe]

8. Cochran is my senator

And I apologize for this asshole. Fucking shithead!!!!!!!!!!

[Gman]

9. If they agree on language that doesn't mean

all parties are on the same page on the intent of the language. You cannot trust the Republics to deal in good faith. They see "good faith" as a sign of weakness. They will treat any agreed on language to their own interpretation. Furthermore, there will likely be a signing statement.

[Miss Chybil]

10. Listen, Republicons! Lay down your swords. Fear no more The truth shall set you free!

It will be alright. Let it go. You can rest your weary heads, stop tangling your weavy webs. It's over. We'll take it from here.

[peacetalksforall]

11. Notice something about the Clinton Admin? No one ever complains

about not getting access to papers and documents about the Clinton Admin? When the Clinton Library opened - his speech included some words about everything being available according to completion of logging and cataloging and (subject to) normal classified documentation rules? - and we never hear any Republican complain about not getting access? - we have had no declarations of locked documents of Clinton (or Clinton's father - just joking)

Clinton Administration - open
Bush I and Bush II - closed, locked, sealed

[peacetalksforall]

12. self delete - wrong forum

[DianaForRussFeingold]

13. K&R President Kennedy warned about secrecy and censorship in government and the media

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkryNyxlubY

[sarcasmo]

14. Why would a Dictator want an Open Government.

[alcibiades_mystery]

15. How is it that we couldn't block one fucking thing when they were in the majority

And they block every fucking thing when we are?

Shove it down their goddamn throats, period. WTF.

[Supersedeas]

16. the filth of Repig runs deep -- MS, we feel for you.

[Supersedeas]

17. Republican obstruction...not a subject for serious Sunday Talk show consideration?