The KGB, yes. Nixon, no. AP has a long story on it; here are a few clips:
For at least a year, the Homeland Security Department detoured hundreds of requests for federal records to senior political advisers for highly unusual scrutiny, probing for information about the requesters and delaying disclosures deemed too politically sensitive,...
Anyone who seeks information through the law is supposed to get it unless disclosure would hurt national security, violate personal privacy or expose confidential decision-making in certain areas.
But in July 2009, Homeland Security introduced a directive requiring a wide range of information to be vetted by political appointees for "awareness purposes," no matter who requested it.
Remember all that BS about "open and transparent"?
Well, it sure SMELLS like BS. The substance is more like KGB.
Career employees were ordered to provide Secretary Janet Napolitano's political staff with information about the people who asked for records — such as where they lived, whether they were private citizens or reporters — and about the organizations where they worked.
If a member of Congress sought such documents, employees were told to specify Democrat or Republican.
Bottom line?
...many e-mails directed Homeland Security employees never to release information under FOIA without approval by political appointees."It is imperative that these requests are not released prior to the front office reviewing both the letter and the records,...
There's a LOT more at the link.
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