Letter: Our process must be transparent

To the Editor:

I wish to underscore the Republican Eagle’s Nov. 17 & 18 column “Public has a right to public data.” And, add to the list of public-to-know information the wages, benefits and perks of the elected themselves.

Transparency needs to be present in every facet of government. No exceptions! Government is not a private endeavor, it is a public necessity.

Publicizing the process and details of government practices is no cause for shame. It’s a sign of personal integrity, civic responsibility and national health. It is constitutionally insured, to preserve, life-giving government. It requires time and diligence and patience.

At the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked, “What have you wrought?” He replied, “… a Republic, if you can keep it.”

Perspective: Our constitutional government is no museum piece. It is a here-and-now, never completed, actively engaged, living experiment of self-government.

Innate forces in human nature are constantly trying to sway the current agenda of government in their singular favor. (They are referred to as “special/self-interests.”)

The framers of our Constitution were well aware of these universal human traits. The genius of our Constitution is that it’s a blueprint for an inclusive process, of all competing interests, to sit at the table of civil discussion, holding the tension, in search of common ground.

Exclusion of interests guarantees a house divided.

Inclusion provides insights and understanding, resulting in synergistic cooperation for the betterment and stability of all.

Exclusive interests are shading. They can never serve the needs of an enlightened, informed majority. Like mushrooms, they grow best in the dark.

Inclusive interests bring transparency. It welcomes all rightful interests to the table for substantive, meaningful, respectful dialogue seeking mutual understanding and the greater common good.

Our Constitution is by design a transparent process of governing.

Nick Even

Bay City

Tags: opinion, letters