Say It Ain't So

Let's hope that this report by Bill Gertz of the Washington Times is not entirely accurate to the effect that the "Obama administration is putting the finishing touches on an executive order on classified information," a draft copy of which Gertz says he has obtained. Considering the fact that the administration has been accepting up until July 19, 2009, public comments with respect to recommended revisions to the order, it would be disappointing to know that a revised draft had been prepared for the president's consideration and was already being "leaked" by July 23rd. If true, it is difficult to imagine what effect, if any, the public comments had on the draft. The review process for potential revisions to this executive order will prove to be a true measure of the transparency, participation and collaboration promised by the President on January 21, 2009.