Should the financial disclosure statements of US political appointees be available online?

Yes

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by Nicholos Gene Poma B.S.

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It is time that the financial disclosure statements of politicians be posted on the Internet, so as to give the public access to the information which they are entitled to. It is important in this day and age that all persons holding offices which are to serve the interest of the American people, be transparent in their dealings and holdings in companies, charities, and investments. It is equally important that technology be utilized to assist in the dissemination of this information where it is applicable.

The Internet is a technology which is unlike any other in recent history. There are in fact, many types of documents and information available on the Internet. As it currently stands, by law a person holding, or running for political office must make public his or her information on financial dealings. This is to inform the public where there may be a possible conflict of interest involving a particular politician.

As of now, these financial disclosure statements are rarely ever seen by the public, however, if they were posted on the Internet it may just cause some constituents to sit up and take notice. Many politicians are very aware that the general public does not pay much attention to their financial dealings. It is too much trouble for them to get the information, and many people are not aware that it must be provided. It is likely that it would not make much of a difference if the information were posted on the Internet. Most people would simply ignore the information, or not even care about the implications of it.

In a government which is supposed to be for the people and by the people, it is necessary for the politicians to be transparent so that the people may be aware of who is looking out for their best interest, and not the politicians own pocketbook.

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