I keep seeing journalists lamenting that this administration trends toward tight information control. Now, this administration denouncing a story in the Washington Post – because it relied on two unnamed sources – is beyond the pale.

Those sources claimed Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had authorized the downing of the small plane that wandered into Washington’s no-fly zone last week.

Rumsfeld, of all people, should understand that the atmosphere fostered within the ranks of Washington is tight-lipped fealty.

Really, government and media need to come to an agreement on this. I understand that sensitive topics may, at times, need to remain off the record. But not routine government missives. Even in the case of sensitive topics, I’d prefer a little candidness.

“I’m sorry, I can’t speak to that because it involves an issue of high national security,” said John Sycophant, undersecretary of state.

Gimme a name. Gimme some “buck stops here.”

The prevalence of these sources makes government look shady and journalists look untrustworthy.