We're again disappointed at Gov. Eric Greitens' attempts to keep his public office shrouded in secrecy.
It was revealed last week that he and his staff used Confide, an app that deletes text messages after they've been read. It also prevents recipients from saving, forwarding, printing or taking screenshots of messages, the Associated Press reported.
It's unclear whether the governor and his staff are using the app for state business or other government communication, or for campaign work or personal matters.
When reporters asked the governor about the app, he lashed out at the media: "This is another nothing story that's come from a liberal media outlet that is just desperate for salacious headlines." Later, he added: "The fact is, we know that sometimes media outlets like the Kansas City Star will be desperate to attack us at every turn, and one of the reasons why they are is that we're here fighting for the people of Missouri."
However, he didn't point to any factual errors in the Star's stories.
We suspect it's highly likely that the governor's office has used the app for public business. Only they know, and they're not saying.
The Washington Post reported the app also has been used by White House staffers worried about being accused of leaking information to the media.
State law says most documents made through official business are public records. However, the law isn't clear as to how long those records must be retained.
Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley is mulling whether to appoint a special investigator to check into use of the app.
Missouri Press Association Attorney Jean Maneke told the Star that keeping records of public officials is "critical to ensuring that public business is conducted fairly and impartially."
We agree.
We don't know what's legal in the matter, but we know what's right. The government is of the people, and the people should expect their public officials and governmental agencies to be open and honest.
If you want to see what can happen when governments aren't open and honest, watch "The Post," the Steven Spielberg movie that opens this weekend. It's about the Pentagon Papers, which first were exposed to the public in 1971 by the New York Times. They revealed a massive coverup by the United States government over its involvement in the Vietnam War.