This recent article referenced earlier on the list is a good illustration of the failure of Freedom of Information Laws to recognize that a part of an elected officials job is to be a politician and that the divide between the two roles is difficult to define. When one political party or another holds a private caucus on some issue are they doing this as elected officials or as political representatives of their party.  Is it proper to use public resources or places for such meetings?  

One could certainly argue that increased transparency of the political process is a good thing. And if that is the general view perhaps we should make any individual or organization that donates more than a minimum number of dollars either as a campaign contribution, political lobbying expenditure, or to otherwise influence the political process subject to FOI requests as well.  

I recently learned that during the French Revolution there was an attempt to ban all discussions among all government officials and employees and require that all business be conducted in writing.  But as records managers probably know such requirements may prove most difficult to enforce.


David B. Gaynon
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Huntington Beach CA, USA

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