Secret Sessions of Government

On June 16, 2006, the California Reclamation Board met in a secret session. Nothing unusual there, except that the Board met to discuss defending itself against allegations that it had violated California's open meetings act by approving a permit needed for a major housing development... during a secret session.

We like our government open. We demand that it act in the sunshine of public scrutiny and we naturally tend to become distrustful when our government acts behind closed doors. Still, there are situations when it is necessary and proper for government agencies, including the U.S. Congress, to meet in secret.

Also See:
Bush Orders Improved Public Information Request Response
Who Oversees Ethics in Government?