Happy Independence Day!
On Independence Day 50 years ago, President Lyndon Baines Johnson
reluctantly signed into law the Freedom of Information Act. President
Johnson thought it was terrible legislation and considered a veto after
it was passed by Congress. He signed the bill into law on his Texas
ranch instead of at a celebratory event at the White House.
Johnson’s comments at the low-key signing ceremony at the ranch
illustrated his mixed feelings about the new law. “I signed this measure
with a deep sense of pride that the United States is an open society,”
he said. “I have always believed that freedom of information is so vital
that only the national security, not the desire of public officials or
private citizens, should determine when it must be restricted. At the
same time, the welfare of the nation or the rights of individuals may
require that some documents not be made available. As long as threats to
peace exist, for example, there must be military secrets.”
Article here (via aba journal).
As a side note: I use FOIA requests a lot - sometimes for police reports (depending on the police department, it may be required), utility companies, etc. It's fun! You have rights, protect them!
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