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Politics

by Mike Masnick

Mon, Mar 23rd 2009 9:49pm




Filed Under:
acta, transparency, ustr


US Trade Rep Promises To Review Transparency Policies

from the well,-that's-a-start dept

After the highly questionable claim that the US Trade Representative couldn't release details over the secretive negotiations concerning the ACTA proposal because it somehow involved state secrets (though plenty of industry lobbyists were given access), it looks like the USTR has agreed to review its policies on transparency. It's definitely a good thing, but the USTR also says that the process will take a few months. It's unclear how that may impact ACTA, but it seems like the USTR could easily review just that particular decision before reviewing the entire process.

7 Comments | Leave a Comment

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  1.  
    identicon
    some old guy, Mar 24th, 2009 @ 3:47am

    Fairy Tales

    I don't believe in politician's "promises".

    They are all fairy tales to me.

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  2.  
    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, Mar 24th, 2009 @ 4:01am

    I have to agree with some old guy. They're either blowing smoke, or they will review the policies only to determine that there isn't a problem with them at all.

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  3.  
    identicon
    Dave, Mar 24th, 2009 @ 6:54am

    Review doesn't mean change. I would think that this review is likely to say that everything is fine and ACTA can stay under wraps.

    What we need is someone to send a copy to wikileaks.

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  4.  
    identicon
    Rorschach, Mar 24th, 2009 @ 6:59am

    Who watches the them?

    So, since when is it ok, for an agency to evaluate themselves? Let's get a 3rd party audit of their transparency.

    The only state secrets that would be revealed with more transparency is how far politicians bend over for special interest groups... and let's face it... that's really not a secret.

    They'll look up and shout 'Save us!'
    And I'll whisper 'No!'
    -Rorschach

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  5.  
    identicon
    RD, Mar 24th, 2009 @ 9:30am

    hey..

    Where's the Industry Mouthpiece WeirdHarold to step in and proclaim that anyone not in the ass of his industry buddies doesnt have the right or need to see these proposals and agreements?

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  6.  
    identicon
    y8, Mar 24th, 2009 @ 10:30am

    Write to the white house

    I submitted a letter at the web page whitehouse.gov that is supposed to be for the review of legislation (for transparency), although it isn't really clear where those items are supposed to be posted.

    In fact, the only information I could find seemed to me to be campaign rhetoric, not actually legislation posting.

    Anyhow, I pointed them to your previous article and asked the President to let me know why this was considered a state secret.

    I guess, the President must have taken my request to heart and now they will let us know the answer in a timely manner.

    It's nice to have politicians that understand the wants and needs of the people.

    I assume we'll get a reply any day now.

    You're welcome. . . .

    Wow, I actually got through all of that with a straight face. I really did submit a letter at the white house site, and our fine leaders didn't even do me the courtesy of sending an automated reply that 'they'll look into it' like my senator does.

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  7.  
    identicon
    Griffon, Mar 25th, 2009 @ 10:18pm

    fox, henhouse

    Yeah so Mr. Fox, could you please review the hen house security and fence protective measures for us... hello, independent auditor?

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]


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