Partners in Crime: How the Complicit FOIA Mafia Stonewalls Justice

There is no closer bedfellow to the corrupt avenues of “justice” and “recourse” in the uniformed services than the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) mafia.? It is no coincidence that after another sham investigation carried out by the “Protectors of the Institution” (Inspector General system, Equal Opportunity apparatus, etc.) that the complainant is only afforded reports of investigation via FOIA request.? And for the vast majority of these complainants, these documents arrive absurdly late and too redacted (many times illegally so) to provide any sort of basis with which they could mount an appeal or seek any real restitution.

Pictured above is Senator Ron Johnson, during last summer’s Fouled Anchor hearings.? The Coast Guard, entering the hearings, promised transparency.? They clearly did not deliver (note the entire page of redactions).? In addressing the panel, a poignant clip of which you can view here, Senator Johnson quite astutely stated:

• “You almost think that they must provide conferences or workshops for members of the executive branch on how to avoid complying with Congressional oversight requests…
• It’s the exact same run-around…
• It’s all part of the run-around…it’s all part of running out the clock…”

Yes, Senator, it is the exact same run-around.? It is the go-to tactic of our Departments of Defense and Homeland Security: to out-wait and out-spend.? We thought that just applied to complainants.? Clearly, our congressmen are not immune either.

Those Policing the Police: Just as Complicit

Within the government, there is an agency called the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS).? Taken directly from its website, the alleged role of the OGIS is:

• “…a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) resource for the public and the government. ?Congress has charged us with reviewing FOIA policies, procedures, and compliance of federal agencies and identifying ways to improve compliance. ?Our mission also includes resolving FOIA disputes between federal agencies and requesters.
• OGIS is a place where anyone can ask for FOIA assistance. ?In other words, we also serve as the FOIA Ombudsman -- answering questions, tracking suggestions, and providing information.”

Leary of their abilities, we endeavored to work through OGIS on FOIA requests that were heinously delayed; some requests to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) open as many as two years.

Their pathetic response:

• “Delays, while unfortunate, are an unavoidable aspect of the FOIA for many agencies, particularly those that receive as many requests and appeals as DIA.
• We encourage you to continue communicating with DIA.”
• Signed,
• {Another worthless government agency that saps our tax dollars for zero return on investment}

If you feel that you have been a victim of these types of concerns, feel free to reach out privately at [email protected], or share your story in the comments.

PETITIONS:

1. SIGN THIS PETITION urging the Supreme Court of the United States to hear the case of Staff Sergeant Ryan Carter who was paralyzed from the chest down following a routine surgery at Walter Reed.
2. SIGN THIS PETITION demanding that our leaders in Congress change the DoD’s unjust administrative investigatory system.
3. SIGN THIS PETITION demanding real anti-harassment reform in the Military and Coast Guard now.

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Lt Col (Ret) Ryan Sweazey (Retired, Air Force – United States Air Force Academy), President and Founder of the Walk the Talk Foundation, authored this article.