One of my biggest gripes about Obama's WH was the revelation that he wasn't releasing the records of who was visiting the White House (even when it had nothing to do with National Security). With all of the recent disappointments with the administration, it did my heart good to read this:
President Barack Obama said Friday that his administration will start releasing the names of people who visit the White House, reversing a long-standing policy transcending both Democratic and Republican presidents.
[snip]
Until now, the Obama administration had sided with the Bush administration's stand of refusing to release records, in contrast with Obama's pledge of transparency.
But Obama said Friday after the review was completed: "We will achieve our goal of making this administration the most open and transparent administration in history, not only by opening the doors of the White House to more Americans, but by shining a light on the business conducted inside."
Well done Mr. President! See, putting pressure on him DOES work :o) If we're going to go after him for the stuff we disagree with, we should be just as willing to praise him when he does good.
The records won't be released like today, but according to the article they will start releasing records around December 31st and they'll cover all visits starting September 15th as well as visits from the previous 90-120 days. Also:
Obama said the policy will apply to virtually every visitor who comes to the White House for "an appointment, a tour, or to conduct business."
Some names will be kept private, though. Those include people who are attending meetings of particular sensitivity, such as possible Supreme Court nominees, and those who identity cannot be disclosed because of what the White House called national security imperatives.
The White House will not release records related to "purely personal guests" of the president's family and the vice president's family.
I'm a little leery of what they consider "particular sensitivity" it's a bit vague, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on that for now :o)