In one of his first acts as president, Barack Obama on Wednesday ordered federal agencies to be more responsive to requests made under the Freedom of Information Act - part of his effort to create a more open and transparent government after eight years of Bush/Cheney secrecy.

Obama then barred the news media from taking pictures of him in the Oval Office and, hours later, barred them from photographing him retaking the oath of office (an event necessitated by Chief Justice John Roberts botching the oath during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday).

Actions speak louder than words, Mr. President, and your actions to restrict the press on Wednesday were quite disturbing.