"My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government," says a memo Obama sent to the heads of his executive departments and agencies. "We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government."

Of course, five years and several scandals later, Obama's administration has been anything but "open" and "transparent." The president's record of transparency isn't just muddled, it's pathetic.