The Texas Observer Pushes for Key Public Records Withheld on "Homeland Security" Grounds

Invoices obtained by The Texas Observer reveal the Texas Department of Public Safety has spent more than $160,000 in a lawsuit to keep information from the public, even though the Attorney General has stated there are no security issues. The Texas Observer has asked attorneys across the state and nation to view the documents and invoices online to see if the charges -- including $75 for reading an article in The Texas Observer -- are appropriate. Decide whether the DPS is protecting the public or simply withholding videos that may show a multi-millionaire lobbying lawmakers. A key court decision is expected on Oct. 24,but the larger public policy question is whether homeland security is well-served by spending money to keep the public in the dark, or to pursue legitimate anti-crime and anti-terrorist activities. (PRWeb Oct 17, 2007)