In the warm afterglow of his historic inauguration, President Barack Obama set to work on a welcome note — by letting some light back into the White House.

On his first day in office, Obama issued orders to push what he called "touchstones of this presidency" — transparency and the rule of law.

They included tighter restrictions on lobbyists and ethics training for his staff. He also promised to treat the Freedom of Information Act with the respect it deserves. Obama said he "stands on the side not of those who seek to withhold information but those who seek to make it known."

These and other Day One decisions set the tone for a welcome change from the previous administration's penchant for secrecy and lack of accountability.

Obama's actions also portend a more accountable approach to governing: a pay freeze for senior White House staff and suspension of legal proceedings against Guantanamo detainees.

Granted, these are incremental steps, taken against a backdrop of giant economic and political challenges.

But in the context of Obama's inaugural address Tuesday — a call for responsibility and a government we can trust — it's a good start.