Let me say it as simply as I can:  Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency. Our commitment to openness means more than simply informing the American people about how decisions are made.  It means recognizing that government does not have all the answers, and that public officials need to draw on what citizens know.  And that’s why, as of today, I’m directing members of my administration to find new ways of tapping the knowledge and experience of ordinary Americans—scientists and civic leaders, educators and entrepreneurs—because the way to solve the problem of our time is—the way to solve the problems of our time, as one nation, is by involving the American people in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
—President Barack Obama, 1/21/2009, in remarks delivered in his welcome to senior staff at the White House

Can you believe it - an administration that actually believes in oversight? I just received this in my inbox from the administration press office about executive orders that President Barack Obama signed today.

A breath of fresh air…

The President today signed two Executive Orders and three Presidential Memoranda.  These five documents represent a bold first step to fulfill his campaign promises to make government more responsible and accountable, to launch sweeping ethics reform, and to begin a new era of transparent and open government.

Read details about the orders after the jump.

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