Even in that respect - that right goes straight down the lavatory if they're operating on public lands or accessing public resources. The moment that happens (As it undeniably did here - hell some of it was in national parks, there is hardly a more perfect example of a public resource) it becomes a matter of absolute public interest. The public has an absolute right to know every detail of how public resources are allocated and used, who profits from it and how because all such actions are ONLY legal or just if they are done in the interest OF the public (as the owners of said resources).

As for secrecy and lying being 'par for the course' - well firstly that is STILL only the case for corrupt deals, honest deals tend to get bragged about because the good PR is awesome for politicians who want to get reelected, but even if it was true - that would make absolutely no excuse. It would still be grounds for suspicion whenever we catch them lying.