The Obama administration and congressional Democrats seem to have two standards for disclosure: one that applies to them and their friends, and one that applies to everyone else.
The White House reportedly is reconsidering an executive order that would require all federal contractors — and even those companies that think they might one day bid for a federal contract — to disclose their campaign contributions. Left-wing activists say the proposal, which ran into stiff headwinds when it was first proposed last year, may be moving forward again. If it does, it will impose by decree what Democrats could not win in legislation.
Liberals contend this is a good-government measure, meant to let the public know whether greasing a pol's palm wins you any favors. Yet when conservatives asked why a significant share of Obamacare waivers went to swanky restaurants and similar venues in former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's congressional district, the official White House reply was: Nunna ya bidnez.
Not only does the White House refuse to offer an explanation for the remarkable coincidence, it will not say how many applicants for waivers there have been, identify who they are, name those denied, or explain the reasons for denial.
Taken together, the proposed order and the de facto waiver policy mean the White House believes private companies should have to disclose their private contributions to private organizations, while a public agency — the Department of Health and Human Services — need not offer any evidence regarding whether special treatment under Obamacare also is merit-based. The president promised greater transparency, and he has delivered. The double standard is the most transparently partisan one we've seen in years.
Adapted from the Richmond Times Dispatch
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