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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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7

As With Bush, Obama Won't Release WH Visitors List

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(Newser) – Despite President Obama’s promise of transparency, the administration is blocking requests for the White House visitors list, MSNBC reports, defying two federal court rulings that the lists are public record. In addition to denying MSNBC’s request for a list of all visitors since Jan. 20, the Secret Service turned down a nonpartisan watchdog group’s request for records of visits by coal executives.

“We are deeply disappointed that the Obama administration is following the same anti-transparency policy as the Bush administration,” said an attorney for the watchdog group, which intends to sue the Department of Homeland Security for the records. The Obama administration, like President Bush’s before it, says the logs are presidential records and aren’t subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

A large tree is seen toppled over on the North Lawn of the White House as a strong storm moves through the area, June 9, 2009.
A large tree is seen toppled over on the North Lawn of the White House as a strong storm moves through the area, June 9, 2009.   (AP Photo)
A protester holds a composite photograph of President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush during a rally opposing a meeting between Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.
A protester holds a composite photograph of President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush during a rally opposing a meeting between Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.   (AP Photo)
Members of the White House grounds grew survey a tree on the North Lawn, June 10, 2009.
Members of the White House grounds grew survey a tree on the North Lawn, June 10, 2009.   (AP Photo)
A large tree is seen toppled over on the North Lawn of the White House as a strong storm moves through the area, June 9, 2009, in Washington.
A large tree is seen toppled over on the North Lawn of the White House as a strong storm moves through the area, June 9, 2009, in Washington.   (AP Photo)
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7 comments
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Rob
Jun 16, 09 10:29 AM CDT
I think that with a little experience, that he did not have, Obama is learning that is campaign promises of transparency are not quite as expedient as he thought. Reply
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+8
IN RESPONSE:
radnip
Jun 18, 09 3:18 AM CDT
Democracy doesn't work. Most voters don't want it. Let's give up and go back to an aristocracy.
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0
JonmarkP
Jun 16, 09 10:45 AM CDT
I wonder if Obama has also obtained a press-pass and over 150 White House sleepover nights for Jeff Gannon/Guckert, the manly-men male prostitute that Karl Rove and George Bush were so fond of. That seemed like such a huge security threat, and yet it's been largely ignored by the press. Mr. Obama, why don't you start by opening those records, then move on to Mr. Peabody and his coal company buddies? Reply
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
prowlerzee
Jun 16, 09 11:46 AM CDT
probably, actually, if you've been following his history before he ran for prez.
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prowlerzee
Jun 16, 09 11:42 AM CDT
"... turned down a nonpartisan watchdog group’s request for records of visits by coal executives." Like Cheney, Like Zerobama. He's a Trojan Ass. Reply
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+1

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