One of the most consistent pledges in the 2008 Obama campaign for the presidency was that his administration would be known for restoring “transparency” in how he and his top aides ran the government.

It was a nice-sounding pledge, but, as usual, campaign promises somehow seem to be forgotten or trampled once the winner moves into the White House. This happens with candidates for both parties, but Obama and his inner circle seem to have made a mockery of the transparency pledge.

Perhaps the biggest example of this was the passage of the Obamacare health care program. Then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi even acknowledged at the time that the public really wouldn’t know what was in the bill until after it was passed. This bill will affect every single American, and yet, the measure was passed without the public being told what was in it. Members of the U.S. Supreme Court this week heard arguments on the law, not about the secrecy surrounding its passage, but on whether it violates the Constitution.

Nothing is more important than the protection and security of this nation; that’s the first responsibility of the president. However, a few days ago, Obama was heard telling Russian President Dmitry Medvedev he needed more time to resolve issues including plans for a missile defense system in Europe. He said, “This is my last election. After my election, I have more flexibility.”

Medvedev, who is about to turn his office over to former president Vladimir Putin, replied, “I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir and I stand with you.”

What message does this send to Americans about what their president may intend to do if he is re-elected for another four years? Where is the transparency about a matter that is so critical to our national security and involves a country that merits so little trust?

Consider what Obama already has done with his executive orders and what might happen if he were to win another four years in the White House. Along with transparency being nothing more than a campaign pledge, Americans have every reason to be worried, particularly if Democrats hold onto the Senate and regain control of the House.

As John Bolton, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said Tuesday, Obama’s whispered statement to Russia’s president should serve as a “FIRE BELL IN THE NIGHT.”

The big question is: Who is listening to the “fire bell”? Unfortunately, not many in the nation’s media.