FBI Tries To Limit Info Searches (freedom of information act)

[moobu2]

Justice Department argues for rules that would limit the FBI's respectability to find requested documents...If Bush's "Justice Department" were to win it could have huge effect on Government accountability, openness and corruption.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/21/national/main668365.shtml

"AP) The FBI is fighting in court to limit how hard it has to search for government documents requested by the public under the Freedom of Information Act, one of the main laws for ensuring openness in government.

If the bureau prevails, people could have a diminished chance of getting documents from the nation's most famous law enforcement agency, open records experts said.

In court, the FBI is defending a recent automated search that missed some documents that had been released years ago in a separate FOIA case.

Representing the FBI, the Justice Department asked a federal judge this month to dismiss this lawsuit and said its request should not be undermined "by an unsuccessful search for a document as long as the search was adequate." FBI officials declined to further address the ongoing litigation. "

[Moderator]

1. please fix link

TIA

[Judi Lynn]

2. Here's a working link to your story (I hope).

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/21/national/main668365.shtml

I just checked this one, and it's good.

[jayfish]

3. But The Government Expects Me To...

keep 7-10 years of personal financial records and have them available when requested. I'm so f'ing fed up with this, special treatment for the government and the wealthy, shit. When will a critical-mass of people feel the same way? :mad:

[Nordmadr]

7. That my friend...

is truly the right question. Critical mass of people just fed up with all the bullshit! Unfortunately, I don't think the country is there yet.

[punpirate]

4. Clearly, this is a reflection of...

... Ashcroft's edict to government agencies that Justice would aid them in resisting FOIA requests.

How easy it would be to simply not add sensitive, embarrassing documents to the automated search system if this case were to go in the FBI's favor. There are enough exceptions as it is now to the FOIA.

[UL_Approved]

5. More of the secrecy culture

The transparency of a government is very important. It keeps people from making mistakes, from having corruption, and from things worse. This is the start of a long trend to suppress our right to government.

[Lerkfish]

6. I predict: the end of FOIA

I started a thread with that title a couple of weeks ago? but can't find the thread now.
anyhow, I predicted that this administration would find a way to shut FOIA down, because it was the source of too many leaks.

seems I was correct...even though others chimed in and thought I was being too melodramatic.

sure bet: count on this administration doing the most outrageous fascist thing and they won't disappoint you.

[Wilms]

8. Very not good. n/t