Slashdot Mirror
How NY Gov. Cuomo Sidesteps Freedom of Information Requests With His Blackberry
New submitter wrekkuh writes "The Daily News is reporting that if aides of New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo cannot speak in person or by telephone with the Governor, they are told to use BlackBerry's PIN-to-PIN messaging system — a function that leaves no lasting trail because it bypasses data-saving email servers. Consequently, a Freedom of Information request for all e-mails to and from Governor Cuomo's office resulted in an empty reply from the Records Access Officer: 'Please be advised that the New York State Executive Chamber has conducted a diligent search, but does not possess records responsive to your request.'"
"Never write if you can speak; never speak if you can nod; never nod if you can wink." - Martin Michael Lomasney
If Slashdot were chemistry it would look like this:Cadaverine
We have a classic problem with the freedom of information requests:
1) We want accurate historical records maintained of how decision were made, by whom and why.
2) We want a have an open press and legal system to have access to those records so our legal processes and our political processes are based on accurate information.
3) We want to have an open campaign system where all available information is discussed as part of the process of choosing leaders.
Pick any 2.
Well, except for the fact that Governor Cuomo is a big proponent in his speeches of all government decision making to be open to the public, there is nothing wrong with it. At least if you don't mind your public officials being hypocrites.
The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted. James Madison