govt to critics: you’re not worthy

John Rodgers in the City Paper tells the tale of a government agency that refused to release information that was legally releasable.

The request for information to the Tennessee Department of Revenue prompted this intra-departmental email:

Heads up: Several in the department are receiving calls from this group, re: the unauthorized substances tax. Please let your staff know this is not a legitimate group and therefore, we’re not responding to them. Let me know if anyone in your group is contacted by them. (By the way, this is Drew Johnson’s org.) Thanks

Here’s the lesson to government officials: If you want to make sure that the information you don’t want released ends up on the front page, just refuse to release it.

Read the whole thing.

UPDATE:

Here is the link to the Tennessee Center for Policy Research–the group which made the request.

Bill Hobbs has more

Kay Brooks has this:

You want proof that TCPR is a legitimate watchdog group? Here you have it. They’ve uncovered a group of people who have forgotten that they’re supposed to be serving the public. The next question is what else does the Department of Revenue not want us to know?

2nd UPDATE:

Welcome Insta-visitors. Look around while you’re here. You might especially like to see the original inspiration for Harold Ford’s “Call Me” ad.

3rd UPDATE:

Bill Hobbs and the City Paper: Yes they are worthy.
Links here.

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