Our Governor held an essay contest concerning open government and "its importance upon a democratic society". I, sadly, did not win (though I am about to post the losing article on my blog). I am not too offended because I know next to nothing about government policies, I only wish that I could read the winning entries. *Sigh* Alas, they have not been posted anywhere.
Anywho, here's my essay:
Democracy’s Bulwark
As one more erudite in the political spectrum than I, John F. Kennedy once boldly claimed of his beloved American government, “We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.” The grand institution that is democracy was founded upon thoughts similar to the above, and has been fortified by both the great laws proclaiming liberty and equality, and by the more controversial laws occasionally bordering on the obscure. The contributions of open government to, not only our democratic government, but also to the businesses and society being governed are immense. Open government can, arguably, be regarded as one of the most auspicious qualities any democratic society could hope to possess.
Ensuring the opportunity for mutual discussion is imperative, especially, for example, when formulating the educational standards that will be implemented in a school. The educational system is a major pillar of any lucrative society and from that profitable society stems the political and economic growth of a prosperous country. It is obvious, therefore, that for there to be a prosperous country, there must be an educated foundation. From this need arises one important aspect of open government: public collegial bodies may not meet privately to discuss a matter pertaining to their career. In education, open government allows parents the opportunity to assess the standards their children must meet, therefore, offering their young scholar a better chance to advance in the academic world and, in turn, granting our country a higher chance of success. This is but one example demonstrating open government’s aid in creating a thriving society.
Obstructing tyrannical practices employed by politicians, the wealthy, and other influential members of society, is another fundamental aspect of open government. Political machines are prime examples of the autocratic system our government would affect were it not for laws like those we’ve christened the Sunshine Laws. By definition, a political machine is an unofficial system for organized politics that use surreptitious means and immoral practices to assuage their own political desires. Tammany Hall, one such political machine, is infamous for its considerable impact and influence upon New York politics. Tammany Hall controlled Democratic Party nominations and implemented patronage in Manhattan by exploiting the greed and ignorance of a few, to change political history for everyone, therefore, defying the very essence of both democracy and America itself. The Sunshine Laws require that similar assemblies renounce their furtive nature and allow the public to supervise the legality of their actions or otherwise endure penalties, thus assuring democracy.
Even when under tranquil conditions, politics are rough waters to tread. To allow America to abandon democratic practices akin to open government would be to reintroduce the dark age of clandestine establishments composed of avaricious business owners conspiring with politicians for their own corrupt ends, effectively terminating our democratic existence.
