American government Quote by Jeff Jarvis
“I would like to see transparency become the default for the American government: Abolish the Freedom of Information Act so we don't have to ask government for information but government must ask to keep information from us. The more transparent government is, the more collaborative it can become. The more our officials learn to trust us - with information and a role in government - the more we can trust them.”
About This Quote
Government transparency should be the norm, with officials proactively sharing information, fostering trust and collaboration.
In simple terms: Make government information open by default.
Key Takeaway
Demand proactive openness.
Themes
government
transparency
trust
collaboration
Mood
critical
hopeful
Type
analytical
visionary
When to use this quote
- policy making
- public relations
- citizen engagement
Key Concepts
open data
public accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure honest disclosure?
- How can citizens hold officials accountable?
A Different Perspective
Changing laws may face political resistance.
![“As opposition leader, [Stephen Harper] wrote in the Montreal Gazette in the year before he came to power: 'Information is the lifeblood of a democracy. Without adequate access to key information about government policies and programs, citizens and parliamentarians cannot make informed decisions…” quote by Lawrence Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a8a/lawrence-martin-40750_access-to-informatio_as-opposition-leader-stephen-harper-wrot_1717755.jpg)
![“With almost no time to decide, [your loved ones] gave the entire country an incalculable gift. They saved the Capitol from attack. They saved God knows how many lives. They saved the terrorists from claiming the symbolic victory of smashing the center of American government. ... They allowed us to…” quote by William J. Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6f7/william-j-clinton-302_american-government_with-almost-no-time-to-decide-your-loved_154373.jpg)
