Blocking the Sunshine

The Obama administration displayed the hypocrisy of its claim to be a transparent government in demoting a Department of Homeland Security whistleblower.

The treatment of Catherine Papoi, the former deputy unit chief in charge of the Freedom of Information Act, is being discussed this week in Congress, appropriate timing since this is also Sunshine Week.

Papoi had confidentially alerted the inspector general that political employees were interfering in requests from journalists and watchdog groups for public information.

The career employee was put in a lesser position, and now Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is demanding answers.

They should be forthcoming. If Papoi was indeed punished for raising alarm about improprieties in the Homeland Security department, it will send a clear message to other federal employees that standing up for the rights of the people comes with a heavy price.

A year after Homeland Security investigated Papoi's allegations of meddling, its findings have still not been released.

The Freedom of Information Act is one of the most important tools for keeping watch on the government.

It allows the people to have access to records and information on government operations.

This information belongs to them. It shouldn't be hidden away by political appointees trying to protect the administration.

President Barack Obama came into office promising unprecedented transparency in his administration. As this incident reveals, he's failed to live up to that vow.

Federal employees have a right, if not a duty, to furnish information to Congress about possible irregularities within their departments.

Those who speak up should be rewarded, not punished.

Sunshine Week is observed by advocates of open government to remind the public of the importance of the free flow of information.

If as alleged it retaliated against a whistleblower, the Obama administration makes a strong case for why the people should care about that cause.

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