In this article: Open government = the essence of democracy!?






Here a question:  Do we need more or less Government?

The answer is rather difficult. Arguments for Less gov influence are open markets, trade and innovation. Arguments for more gov regulative actions are a more fair system, better allocation of resources and more democracy. 

But what if both are 'wrong'? What if the answer is in a different direction, and could maybe sound like this: It's about engaging citizens and people living in a country and giving them an opportunity to care for their nation. This is important to balance the pure materialistic view of the world. Yes, we need markets, but we also need social, peoples energies as well. 

To this end it is interesting to observe the 'Open Government' directions the current administration is undertaking. The argument is to allow for and call upon more freedom for citizens, and not only for the U.S. but the all nations. 

It is a voluntary program where countries pledge to and demonstrate a willingness of open policies and transparency. These efforts of the 'free world' are good ones, and brings countries closer together, and is in sharp contrast to what Russia's new (old) is doing in his home garden. 

"Around the world, we're standing up for freedom to access information" (B. Obama 8-2012)

Now, so far so good. But more conservative and cautious minds could say, that such open governments are inherently information leaky-prone. Are they right? Well, hard to assess from the outside, however, let's just reaffirm that such open initiatives, talks and regulatory infrastructures are by no means an open door and information passage for any kind of confidential information. I would actually argue, that it is a no brainier that open structures are only implemented in areas where an open platform and discussion is appropriate. At the same time, the ongoing development and tremendous efforts in cyber-security are a good example that the US is tightening it's grip on information - which is a good thing.

The idea of open government is promising and could be an enabler for more joint collaborations and could bring a notion of reducing bureaucracy, and hence unnecessary deficit spendings. I agree with the President, that the idea of freedom around the world is tightly connected to information, and  let me add - education. Why? Because if humans dont know they start believing in ... whatever one tells them. Now if the person telling them is a dictator, they would still believe it, since they have no grounds to think otherwise. Imagine how many wars could be avoided if people started to actually used their 3.5 pound wobbly mass resting on top of their shoulders and start critically evaluating the information presented to them?

All in all, the direction of 'open government' is a trend worth pursuing towards more integrity, freedom, and democracy on this planet.