The Right of Americans to Know

The last thing George W. Bush wants Americans to know is what he's been up to for the last five years. But a democracy can't function if there isn't a bright shining light on the executive branch and there are people in Congress who know this. Rebecca Carr of the Austin American-Statesman has the story:

The Bush administration assailed proposed legislation that would protect the identity of reporters' confidential sources Wednesday, saying it would pose national security risks.

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The bill, introduced by Sens. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., would strengthen a reporter's promise of confidentiality to sources.

Prosecutors would have to prove that they had exhausted all other alternative sources before demanding the disclosure of the identity of a reporter's source.

Prosecutors would also need to show that the information sought is relevant and critical to proving their case. And they would have to prove that the public interest in forcing disclosure outweighs the public interest in news gathering.

The bill has key supporters on the panel, including Chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the panel's ranking Democrat.

Every time the Bush Administration wants to hide things from the voters, they invoke national security. It's the oldest con. If the Bush Administration is so fired up to impose democracy overseas, it ought to do a better job of accepting democracy at home along with the checks and balances we all know we need.