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Obama's Clean Break

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 23, 2009

Putting into effect a campaign promise to set a new tone in Washington, President Obama moved quickly this week to impose restrictions on lobbying while opening up the processes of governing.

He barred officials in his government from lobbying former colleagues "for as long as I am president," and he promised greater transparency by instructing federal agencies to be more responsive to requests for information from the public.
Cynics may claim these decisions were Obama's attempt to stay on the good side of reporters and a voting populace already enamored with him.

But these are good policies that should give all Americans more confidence in the federal government.

As for those worried the policy would allow the release of sensitive information, the president made it clear he's not talking about turning over reports or analyses that would compromise national security.

But he does want government employees to err on the side of openness, rather than looking for reasons to keep a document secret - a healthy change.

Obama's policy of transparency was inspired in part by Gov. Charlie Crist's Office of Open Government - encouraging evidence the president will take good ideas from wherever they originate, even from the office of a Republican governor.

Similarly, the president's decision to stop officials who leave the White House from lobbying their former colleagues will prevent conflicts of interest and help assure the public that executive decisions are not subject to undue influence.

Granted, the policy may limit White House staffers' job options, but that's not necessarily a drawback for a country that needs them focused on the task at hand.

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