>'I'm sure there are political reasons, but it is very hard for me to understand why agencies purposefully keep the data obscure.' I can understand / attest to

>'I'm sure there are political reasons, but it is very hard for me to understand why agencies purposefully keep the data obscure.' I can understand / attest to both of the following stances by experience: Thinking idealistically, it's a basic deterrent against lazy, disingenuous, 'data out of context' arguments. By keeping that data obscure you're building in a selection process. Requiring potential detractors to put forth even the small effort of cutting, pasting and sorting will deter many before they begin. Thinking cynically, it's a basic deterrent against uncovering widespread lies and corruption. Keeping the data obscure will encourage the people who might uncover your schemes to look for easier, juicier targets. >'Opening data stimulates innovation around that data.' It's an enabler sure, but I'm not so sure about a stimulator. As best I can tell, most FOIA requests primarily serve the lawyers hired by various agencies to sue each other or the Government in the process of contract grievances. >'It benefits society by allowing analysis to provide value, and improves the economy through the sale of related products.' It certainly could, but it's easy to forget that many people working in Government are just as self-interested as anyone else. They're no more interested in the big picture than the next man. More importantly, no one below the level of perhaps a local Mayor and his/her lieutenants have their jobs tied to economic performance or general well-being of their constituents.