Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you for coming.
Commissioner, when I read your quote here, I was reminded of another quote. It was from Ronald Reagan, who said,
The nine most terrifying words in the English language are “I'm from the government and I'm here to help”.
What I like about Reagan is the same thing I like about you, and I give you that as a compliment: he had the ability to measure up quickly what he wanted to say. In the times we've met with you and in the times I've spoken to you, I found you have that gift as well.
When we did the Afghan report, there was a lot of concern that the bureaucracy was inept. In the end I think we really found that wasn't the situation. There were other things at play. The people in the bureaucracy are just trying to do their jobs. They're trying to do their jobs well, and I like to think that in government that's pretty much the case for those who work in the bureaucracy.
I'm going to ask you two questions. You've been at this now for about a year, and there have been some allegations that we are involved in a culture of secrecy. Do you think that's true? Do you think our government is shrouded in a culture of secrecy, or is it just a matter of...? Maybe I shouldn't lead the witness. Do you think we're in a culture of secrecy?