It's been suggested that we should find it reassuring Barack Obama promises to have the most transparent White House in history. After all, what unites Americans -- as so wonderfully encapsulated in Mr. Obama's Inaugural Address -- is that we are all victims of George W. Bush: We must "pick ourselves up [and] dust ourselves off" in large part because our country has been allegedly brutalized by Bush's White House, also known as the "most secretive administration in history." Transparency heals.
Of course, the paradox does not go unnoticed: If the Bush White House was indeed so secretive, how is it we would know that, and how is it we not only know everything that went on behind Bush's closed doors, we know the very (evil) thoughts and motives of such a shuttered leader? But I digress.
I assume transparency is not all it's cracked up to be, at least in the Obama administration. Mr. Obama has already retaken the oath of office, simply to protect himself against those who might declare his botched Inauguration Day oath unconstitutional. I hear -- but I cannot confirm this -- that the second swearing-in ceremony occurred in the White House. I also hear, through tin cups linked with string, that NO CAMERAS were allowed inside in order to document the event (there was just one White House staff photographer present). Apparently -- and this is confirmed -- the Freedom of Information Act Mr. Obama adores so much really is an act.
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GORBACHEV REDUX
Is it impolite of me to admit that whenever I hear Mr. Obama use the word "transparency," I actually hear "glasnost"? That doesn't make me a bad person, does it?
Peace through dissent.
BG
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