Let the sun shine on government
Open government serves the people best and it is a point Americans agree on.
March 11 to 17 is Sunshine Week in the United States, a time set aside each year to remind citizens how important transparency and open government are to our participatory democracy, according to Doug Anstaett, the executive director of the Kansas Press Association.
There is no better statement than what the executive director penned. At one time it was assumed—for the most part—that government would mostly be transparent and open. Each state has plenty of examples of graft and states with leaders who exhibited integrity corrected the system. I’m not sure if we are better off today than yesterday. Many of today’s politicians at all levels are good people who face unrelenting criticism.
Today polls consistently rank Congress, President Donald Trump and a significant number of governors as folks who have the popularity of a dog catcher. Has that changed—perhaps yet those perceptions have been around since Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers offered his humor at the expense of governors, congressmen and presidents.
What can be done to reverse these trends? It starts with an informed citizenry. It does not start with special interest groups although there are people in those organizations who can provide insight. Democracy is about participation and requires observation, perspective and an even-keel approach.
Those who lead have the gift to communicate, express understanding for those who have differing views, can lead in consensus and maintain their composure. Trying to sacrifice those leaders at the expense of single-issue cause should be something any of us should be reluctant to undertake.
In this era of social media, the pluses and minuses of instant polling and emotional overtures rather than fact-based contemplation should be avoided. All of us are subject to making decisions based on emotion rather than careful deliberation. One would not buy a new vehicle or tractor based on emotion. Instead he or she looks into his or her cash flow and other tangible needs.
Complacency and apathy should not be our mindset. Perspective tells us that not all causes will be successful and we cannot be a zealot on all matters. It was our nation’s 34th commander-in-chief, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who said it is best to govern in the middle, rather than from the sides of the road. That sounds as useful today as it did when he was president from 1953-61.
My advice on how to not be overwhelmed? Stay informed and contact your applicable local officials on local matters, your state lawmakers on state issues and congressmen on federal problems. Be diplomatic, be fact-based, state your view and be willing to listen.
A final expressed by a rural Kansan to me—“It’s OK to be concerned but don’t let it overwhelm you.”
