by Cathy Gniewek

Created on: March 17, 2008

National Sunshine Week (March 16 to 22) coordinated by the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Society of Newspaper Editors recognizes that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), originated more than 40 years ago, still affirms that our government is the people's government.

Americans believe in a balanced system of decision-making. We cherish our freedom of choice and would give our lives before any of our rights are denied. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, democracy is a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people."

Today, there is an explosion of incidents of concealment by public officials who act in their own self-interest in total disregard for the public they swore to serve and protect. "Increased awareness of governmental actions is the public's only defense. Knowledge is power. By restricting public access to information, the government diminishes the power of the people. FOIA preserves America's right to know," says Gniewek.

"As Michigan Sunshine Chair, I am proud to announce the formation of a new Michigan Sunshine FOIA Coalition to advance transparency in government. As a unified force of individuals from diverse backgrounds, the new organization can better investigate FOIA issues and work towards new ways to streamline information requests."

Let the Sunshine In
The fight for open government will always be a contest between competing values, but the public's interest must always win. FOIA ensures government accountability. It also encourages whistle-blowers and insiders to expose wrongdoing. "When organizations respond as the law requires, the revealed information can provoke public response that improves government operations, eliminates waste and fraud, and even saves lives. When organizations don't respond, those opportunities are delayed, or lost altogether," says Gniewek.

Sunny Days Are Here Again - Thanks to Hard Work of the Press!
"The media should be commended for its efforts to champion the public's right to information. It is their persistence to disclose the truth that preserves our democratic rights! I urge all journalists to tell the open government story not only during National Sunshine Week, but throughout the year. It is critical that our nation's media organizations aggressively engage open government issues," says Gniewek.

In a democracy, the powers of the government are, by law, clearly defined and sharply limited to protect the rights of its citizens to participate through informed decision-making.

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