Janie: "I think it naive to believe the checks and balances in our government can operate effectively in a climate of total secrecy."

Absolutely correct!....Those chumps in Washington, have forgotten, or disregarded, that they work for US!..and in a 'Democracy' the PEOPLE are supposed to 'at least' have a 'say'!...but NOOO!..Both political parties have been working as little dictators, giving us choices, of their choosing, then give it to us with 'great urgency'...and WE the PEOPLE get the privilege of being able to choose between either vomit or their puke! Whippee!! ..Most of them should be locked up, for treason, and violations of their oaths..which they have reduced to only being 'ceremonial' anyway!
What used to be the 'District of Columbia', is now the 'District of Corruption'....but as long as they sugar coat it, some non-thinking partisan parrot, will spout if off with great 'authority'..as if they 'know something'...and how we should all take their 'word for it'..because, WE, the people who should be thinking, have left other corrupt criminals do our thinking for us!....now they gotta snoop on use...because of 'national security'...and how they'd love to convince you that that is their 'prime concern'.....just like the 'borders'(?)....they are so 'concerned' about the borders, they even ship guns to the foreign drug cartels!...then lie about it, in Congressional hearings. You bet!!..these guys have YOUR 'special interests', on the top of their priorities!.....(rolls eyes).
If you think gold is valuable, try common sense,.....there's always some political hack trying to talk you out of it!!!

GfS