Webmaster Urged To Remove State Information

[harvey007]

Source: WCVB - Boston

Using a Freedom of Information request, Morisey asked the state for information about food stamps -- where they're used and how much people are spending.

"They were very helpful. They waived fees in terms of getting the data," he said.

His site is geared toward reporters and anyone else looking for information. He posted years of stats showing which stores got the most in state dollars spent by those on assistance.

This week, MuckRock received a letter saying the data was federal information that was erroneously released and threatening fines or prison if it wasn't taken down.

Read more: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/25763473/detail.html

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Editorial in support of MuckRock:

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2010/11/12/states_error_not_muckrakers/

[Angry Dragon]

1. Gotta like that transparency

[Poll_Blind]

2. Not only is this an interesting story but looking at the data he obtained...

...it's very, very interesting how those food stamps are being spent. And both where geographically and what places of business are raking in the lion's share.

PB

[krispos42]

3. I'd love to see nationwide figures.

However, this looks like a non-issue. The only addresses seem to be grocery stores open to the public.

:shrug:

[provis99]

4. so what is this guy's agenda?

Is he a teabagger trying to show that poor people spend their food stamps on liquor and cigarettes?

[druidity33]

6. i'm not sure...

the website claims to be a sort of WikiLeaks for reporters and journalists to look up data. I guess all the website does is file FOI requests and make available the responses.

:shrug:

here's the link:
http://www.muckrock.com/

[Celebration]

5. Okay, so I guess

our government doesn't like the idea of FOIA request info being posted to a website. I think it is a great idea, myself.