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Transparency, with few exceptions (in general, with regard to clothing, for example), is a virtue. It enables law enforcement to trace the funds and uncover the schemes of bad guys, as every compliance officer knows, but it is also essential to ensuring an informed electorate in a democracy. And its utility doesn't end there: transparency in connection with the workings of government is the best way to keep elected and appointed officials honest. So obvious is all of this that it reads somewhat platitudinous. But if the value of transparency is apparent, its exercise can quickly irritate and raise powerful...