[deks]

Barack Obama, January 21, 2009

“A democracy requires accountability, and accountability requires transparency.”

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Freedom_of_Information_Act/

“My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government. We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government.”

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Transparency_and_Open_Government/

[cripplecreek]

Obama comments on the confirmation of Justice Roberts.

"Let me also say that I remain distressed that the White House during this confirmation process, which overall went smoothly, failed to provide critical documents as part of the record that could have provided us with a better basis to make our judgment with respect to the nomination. This White House continues to stymie efforts on the part of the Senate to do its job. I hope with the next nominee who comes up for the Supreme Court that the White House recognizes that in fact it is its duty not just to the Senate but to the American people to make sure we can thoroughly and adequately evaluate the record of every single nominee who comes before us."