OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., (The Oklahoma Post) –
A Response to Drummond’s Op-Ed on Government Accountability
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond recently published an op-ed in The Oklahoman, claiming that his office is dedicated to government transparency and protecting the public’s right to access records and meetings. However, his words do not match his actions. Neither do the actions of The Oklahoman, which has failed to hold public officials accountable for violations of transparency laws.
From the NewsOK.com
We can do more to ensure public access to government records | Opinion
If Drummond wants to continue playing the role of a bystander instead of an Attorney General, maybe he should consider a career change—perhaps as a mannequin in the State Capitol rotunda, where at least his silence would be expected.
Drummond’s office has ignored blatant government misconduct, including fabricated criminal allegations against citizens who exercise their right to access public records. Meanwhile, The Oklahoman and other media outlets have remained silent on these abuses, failing to challenge the institutions that undermine democracy under the guise of bureaucracy.
If Oklahoma’s transparency efforts had a movie, it wouldn’t be A Few Good Men—it would be Mannequin, starring The Oklahoman as the lovestruck store clerk and Drummond as the lifeless mannequin, stiffly twirling around the Capitol rotunda in a surreal waltz of empty promises.
When Transparency Advocates Are Targeted
In my recent article, “Fabricated: Koch Industries, Law Enforcement, and a Parent’s Fight for the Truth,” I documented how Oklahoma officials, including law enforcement, have actively violated civil rights to suppress those seeking public records. I personally experienced this suppression when I attended a Freedom of Information (FOI) hearing—only to be met with blatant retaliation in the form of a fabricated criminal charge designed to silence me.
This was not an isolated event. Drummond’s office has been made fully aware of these violations but has refused to investigate or intervene. Instead of protecting the public’s right to information, he has allowed state officials to weaponize false allegations against those demanding accountability.
Violations Under the Previous Attorney General
Before Drummond took office, former Attorney General John O’Connor also failed to uphold Oklahoma’s transparency laws, allowing public officials to routinely violate statutes with impunity. Some of the most egregious violations include:
- Failure to enforce the Oklahoma Open Records Act (§ 51-24A.5), which requires that all public records be made available for inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
- Failure to enforce the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act (§ 25-301 et seq.), which ensures that government meetings remain open to the public.
- Unlawful withholding of public records (§ 51-24A.17), which makes it illegal for any public official to refuse access to public documents.
- Knowingly violating open government laws (§ 51-24A.17 and § 25-313), both of which carry criminal penalties and possible removal from office.
Under O’Connor’s leadership, numerous government entities—including law enforcement agencies—were allowed to stonewall FOIA requests and retaliate against citizens who sought access to public information. Drummond had the opportunity to reverse this pattern of corruption and abuse. Instead, he has doubled down on the same inaction, protecting those in power rather than enforcing the law.
Drummond’s Hollow Commitment to Transparency
Drummond claims in his op-ed that “we all have a role in safeguarding democracy” and that his office is committed to enforcing the Open Records and Open Meeting Acts. Yet, his inaction when transparency laws are violated—especially when citizens face retaliation—proves otherwise.
Rather than enforcing codified law, Drummond deflects, citing “backlogs” and prioritizing the interests of associations and government entities over the people he was elected to serve. One might think the role of Attorney General involves, well, actually enforcing laws—but Drummond seems to believe his primary job is to smile in press conferences and pretend that ignorance is an appropriate legal defense.
When I attempted to lawfully access public records, I was not just denied my rights—I was targeted. A crime was fabricated against me, and to this day, Drummond has done nothing to investigate or resolve the matter. This attack remains unaddressed, sending a chilling message to anyone else who might challenge government secrecy in Oklahoma.
If Drummond were truly committed to transparency, he would have already launched an investigation into these violations. Instead, his op-ed serves only as a public relations maneuver to obscure his failure to act.
Drummond’s Legal Duty to Enforce the Law Against Government Misconduct
Drummond does not merely have the ability to enforce transparency laws—he has a legal duty to do so. According to Oklahoma Statute § 74-18b(A)(5), the Attorney General “shall investigate and prosecute any violations of the criminal laws of the state” by government officials. Moreover, under § 19-215.26, the Attorney General is empowered to direct district attorneys to file charges against officials who abuse their positions.
So, the question remains: Why hasn’t Drummond enforced the laws he is required to uphold? He has the authority to launch investigations, direct local prosecutors, and take legal action against government employees who commit crimes—yet he does nothing. Instead of wielding the power of his office to bring accountability, he wields excuses.
One might start to wonder if Drummond misplaced his copy of the Oklahoma Statutes, or if he’s just keeping them locked away in an Open Records Act violation of his own making.
The Reality of Transparency in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Post has extensively covered the suppression of transparency by government agencies, including:
- Fabricated records designed to obstruct investigations and avoid accountability.
- Retaliatory actions by law enforcement, including false criminal charges against transparency advocates.
- Public officials deliberately blocking access to records that could expose corruption.
Drummond’s office is fully aware of these issues but refuses to take action. Instead of holding officials accountable, he enables their misconduct through his silence.
Where Is Drummond When It Counts?
Drummond’s article conveniently avoids mentioning any real steps his office has taken to penalize agencies that violate transparency laws. If he were serious about accountability, he would:
- Launch an immediate investigation into fabricated crimes and government retaliation against transparency advocates.
- Hold state and local agencies accountable for Open Records Act violations.
- Direct district attorneys to prosecute officials who knowingly obstruct access to public information.
- End the use of false criminal charges as a tool to silence citizens.
Until Drummond’s office takes these steps, his op-ed remains nothing more than an empty political maneuver—the legal equivalent of a participation trophy.
Sunshine Week: A Celebration of Transparency—Or a Reminder of Its Absence?
This article was written in recognition of Sunshine Week, an annual celebration of public transparency and the people’s right to know. Established to highlight the importance of open government and freedom of information, Sunshine Week serves as a reminder that democracy only works when the public has access to the truth. However, in Oklahoma, that sunshine seems to be perpetually eclipsed by bureaucratic red tape, government stonewalling, and officials who treat transparency laws as mere suggestions. While Sunshine Week is meant to illuminate government accountability, Oklahoma’s leaders—Drummond included—seem more committed to keeping the curtains drawn. If transparency were a dance, state officials have made it clear: they’d rather sit this one out.
A Call to Action
Oklahomans must demand more from their Attorney General. Drummond has failed to uphold his duty to protect the public’s right to access government information. His refusal to investigate fabricated crimes and government retaliation makes it clear: He is not protecting transparency—he is protecting those who violate it.
It’s time to hold him accountable.
Want to help? Join the conversation. Share your stories. Demand reform.
(Writing by Gregory Moyer; Editing by Robbie Robertson 🙂
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