We've compiled a list of and links to articles and editorials about and in recognition of Sunshine Week 2012 and the events and observances that are being held in the states.
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Tag: FOIA
In the era of shrinking newspapers, public needs to assert rights
Opinion from Palo Alto Patch:
Something is wrong.
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Research Paper — “The Social Layer of Freedom of Information Law”
From Social Science Research Network:
It is now received wisdom that a properly functioning democracy requires transparency and accountability — information shared with the public that allows the public to know what its government is doing. It is equally uncontroversial to say that social media allows for an unprecedented amount of informal but structured dissemination and analysis of information.
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D.O.J. announces that online FOIA request links are now available
Register for Mar. 29th — “Leveraging Open Source Technologies for FOIA”
From Carahsoft:
Managing the vast quantities of information government entities need has become incredibly challenging. When the Freedom of Information Act was enacted in 1966, no one considered the vast quantity of information that would need to be accessed or the complexity of keeping private data private, while making public data accessible.
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Read More… from Register for Mar. 29th — “Leveraging Open Source Technologies for FOIA”
Obama’s Muddy Transparency Record
From Politico:
President Barack Obama set a high bar for open government, and he set it quickly. A minute after he took office, the White House website declared his administration would become “the most open and transparent in history.” By the end of his first full day on the job, Obama had issued high-profile orders pledging “a new era” and “an unprecedented level of openness” across the massive federal government.
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NFOIC’s FOI Friday for March 2, 2012
A few open government and FOIA news items selected from many of interest that we might or might not have drawn attention to earlier:
NFOIC debuts #OpenGovVideos with interviews featuring Ken Bunting and Emily Ramshaw
The National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC) announced it has introduced #OpenGovVideos, an online video project that will help tell the story of why open government is important to all citizens.
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Defensive Standards Hinder FOIA Openness
From The FOIA Project:
When the Obama administration came to office in January 2009, it promised openness and transparency in government. On his first full day in office, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum concerning his administration’s beliefs on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), ordering federal officials to err on the side of openness.
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Exec. Director faces misdemeanor charge in FOI complaint
From Fayetteville Flyer:
Marilyn Heifner, executive director of the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission, is facing a class C misdemeanor charge for allegedly violating the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
A complaint by the Northwest Arkansas Times filed with the city prosecutor alleges Heifner denied reporter Joel Walsh access to a counteroffer regarding the lease and purchase of the Old Post Office building.
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Court ruling keeps federal mugshots secret
From Politico:
The federal government is under no obligation to release mugshots of accused criminals under the Freedom of Information Act, even though many states and localities routinely make such booking photos public, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday.
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