Gates criticized over budget secrecy

I am a bit concerned over Robert Gates decision to keep his senior officials from talking with Congress on the budget process. I liked his move to cut some of the costs in the defense department, but at the same time we need to be giving our troops every opportunity to succeed while promoting safety and low risk situations for everyone involved. I think that it is important during the process of putting together an appropriate figure for the Pentagon to run on for top officials to be in communication with the people who will be granting the money needed. Unless there is some concern over releasing confidential information that would put the country's national security at risk, it does not make much sense to me for this gag-order to be in place. If Gates really wants to ensure the appropriation is the best it can be then he should offer himself and other members of his trusted circle to share what may or may not be needed for our troops. As we move forward in the process, I think Gates will have to open up more than he is right now because the only way to get things accomplished effectively is to sort through all of the potential areas and issues related to the defense department budget.