In a democratic society, the flow of information between the government and the governed should be unrestricted and transparent. It is a fundamental principle that the people are the ultimate authority in a democracy, and as such, they have an inherent right to know how their representatives conduct the business of governance. However, the current state of affairs in the United States suggests a significant deviation from this ideal. The persistent culture of secrecy and the pervasive practice of "behind closed doors" discussions in Congress raise profound concerns about the erosion of public trust and the accountability of elected officials.
The argument that certain matters must be kept confidential for reasons of national security or to protect sensitive information is not without merit. Nonetheless, this rationale has often been exploited to withhold information from the public, creating an environment where the American people are kept in the dark about decisions that directly impact their lives. It is imperative that Congress takes meaningful steps to declassify their findings and embrace transparency, allowing the public to make informed decisions and hold their representatives accountable for their actions.
The notion that nothing—absolutely nothing—should be kept from the American public is not a radical one; it is a reaffirmation of the democratic principle that government should be by the people and for the people. When elected officials conduct their deliberations behind closed doors, they undermine the very foundation of democracy. Transparency is not merely a matter of ethical governance; it is a necessary condition for the preservation of democratic institutions.
During my tenure in Congress, I made it a point to bring to light everything that transpired behind closed doors, provided it was not classified. Once the classified information was declassified, I would discuss it openly with my constituents, ensuring that they were fully informed about the issues at hand. This commitment to transparency is something I take great pride in, and it is a practice that I believe should be adopted universally. With so many tools at our disposal one can and should not make excuses to reach out to the masses, for example i used X spaces (formally Twitter) to communicate directly with thousands of live listeners and field their questions on various matters during my tenure.
The time has come for a paradigm shift in the way our government operates. The American people deserve regular, ongoing access to the information that shapes their lives and their future. A significant first step in this direction would be the declassification of the JFK assassination and the MLK files. These historical events have been shrouded in mystery for far too long, and the truth must be brought to light. Moreover, we should demand full transparency regarding the moon landing and gain unrestricted access to NASA's information on UFOs. These are matters of public interest, and the people have a right to know the facts.
Another critical issue that has been swept under the rug for too long is the use of taxpayer dollars to settle sexual harassment claims against members of Congress and bureaucrats. The American people deserve to know how their money is being spent, especially when it is used to cover up the misconduct of public officials. This lack of accountability is unacceptable, and it is time to bring these issues into the open.
In conclusion, the American people must be empowered with the knowledge that allows them to make informed decisions about their government. The culture of secrecy that has permeated our institutions must be dismantled, and transparency must become the norm rather than the exception. By declassifying critical information, ending the practice of closed-door discussions, and holding public officials accountable for their actions, we can begin to restore the public's trust in government and strengthen the foundations of our democracy.