While it is laudable that nine of ten Americans say their vote depends on a candidate's advocacy of government transparency, I wonder. Under the bane of human nature, what government, corporation, small business, or marriage would survive with complete transparency?

A degree of compassionate and protective subtlety is useful to grease the gears of social and political intercourse. Spouses may decline to reveal all for fear of appearing stupid or threatening an otherwise good relationship. Businesses restrict information to protect their products and growth plans against predatory competitors. Governments use secrecy to promote their domestic and global policies against enemies.

Secrecy has its uses: but also its abuses. It's not only the eye of the beholder but the glaring light of history that decides whether secrecy is right or wrong.

All democratic governments function best with an informed and active electorate. But how many of us in the US are informed enough and attentive enough to make sound judgments even with total transparency from our elected officials? Most of those among us with both are paying higher bills and tending our children while the pitiful remnant is fiercely opposed over every issue. The tapestry of global economics, communication, and policy is complex almost beyond human ken.

Governments must constantly make crucial decisions and gamble, however benign, avaricious, or well informed, that success will prevail. Yet governments play poker and it's hard win if you show all your cards before the betting is done. And there coils the snake.

The last twenty years have shown us what happens to a nation whose electorate was asleep while special interests and questionable policies ruled. I applaud Sunshine Week's fine work to survey candidates on their positions and the public on its opinions regarding more transparent government. I fear, however, that there are few politicians who will or should live up to an election promise of transparency or voters who can or would actually take the time to evaluate that transparency. Declarations are easy, doing the homework is hard.

After almost eight years of the most secretive administration in recent history, Americans are engaged as never before in an election for the next president who must solve difficult economic and perilous political issues. Should we adopt universal healthcare? How long will we continue warring in the Middle East? Why are we subsidizing

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about US elections 2008: Are candidates missing an opportunity to connect with voters on open government issues??
We want to hear your view. Write now!