EDITORIAL: Our right to know
Fourth U.S. President and author of the first amendment James Madison said knowledge will forever govern ignorance. People who mean to be their own governors must continuously arm themselves with the power with which knowledge gives.
Sunday was Madison’s birthday and not coincidentally, it’s the first day of Sunshine Week. This week recognizes the importance of open government and the concept of freedom of information.
The fundamental human right of freedom of information – enforced through federal and state laws – allows the general public to access data held by governmental bodies. FOI and open records laws ensure that the government, operated by citizens, offers full disclosure of public information.
In many cases, unfortunately, elected officials have preferred secrecy. Important information has been withheld and those who work to reveal the truth have been silenced.
The week represents a nationwide initiative to discuss the importance of transparency, freedom of information and the public’s "right to know."
It’s a time to recognize the power people have over our governing forces both federally and locally. Elected officials work for the citizens.
It’s a time to look at how far we’ve come, pinpoint where we still need to go and a time to adjust the sails on our future.
Each year, Reporters Without Borders, an organization that monitors attacks on freedom of information, rank 180 countries by their ability to provide accurate information through the media.
Last year, the United States was ranked 33rd. This year, we dropped to 44th.
While the United States has typically been a haven for press freedom, as of late, our country has served as a growing menace toward First Amendment liberties – and it's unacceptable.
The organization lists the U.S. as one of the most significant declines this year – citing increased efforts to track down whistleblowers and sources of leaks for the downfall.
“Countries that pride themselves on being democracies and respecting the rule of law have not set an example,” the February report read. “Far from it.”
The report continues to address the sacrifice of freedom of information to an overly broad and abusive interpretation of national security needs.
“Investigative journalism often suffers as a result,” the organization announced.
The Bush administration blurred the lines between constitutional principles and the need for increased national security – at times imprisoning journalists for refusing to reveal sources.
President Barack Obama has made little improvement.
The source behind WikiLeaks, Bradley Manning, is serving 35 years for espionage, theft and fraud.
Barrett Brown, a freelance journalist, could potentially serve a 105-year sentence for sharing a link containing data stolen by the hacker collective Anonymous.
Last year, the Associated Press had its phone records seized by the Department of Justice in an attempt to identify the source of a CIA leak of confidential information.
Rather than targeting journalists, U.S. officials are now placing emphasis on tracking down the source of the information.
Under Obama’s presidency, the whistleblower is the enemy.
All men having power ought to be distrusted. Madison’s words still echo true to this day – even at Central Michigan University.
Last year, CMU listed “improved university communications, transparency and inclusiveness within an enhanced shared governance environment” as a focal goal for the university. This year, inclusiveness is again listed in our core values.
As students, it's your right to know what is happening within the university in the same way U.S. citizens have a right to information regarding the inner-workings of the federal government.
Elected officials and those in positions to lead – especially when it involves money – deserve scrutiny. They deserve to be held to a high standard. They are expected to represent the views of their constituents truthfully, openly and fairly.
Freedom of information is not just for the media. It is designed to empower all citizens. In a democratic society, access to information is essential to informing the public and an informed public is essential to a representative government.
This week, we call for a renewed commitment to transparency from all areas of government. With the increased ability to share information online, there is no excuse for not making pertinent information – both the good and the bad – widely available.
We value our right to know.
We ask that people take advantage of their freedom of information. Request documents to back up assertions your public officials make. Stay informed and keep the government in check.
We ask that our leadership, from all facets of government, work with us rather than alongside us. We ask that the truth be kept in the hands of those who deserve it most – the people.
