The Internet makes openness in politics not only possible but unstoppable, says Bill Thompson.
It is my belief that it won’t stop our government trying though. Read the full article here on the Internets first big win according to Bill Thompson. Personally, I believe there have been other wins by the Internet but the media have usually claimed credit. Not a biggie. A win is a win after all.
Now I have the same belief as Bill that this openness is unstoppable and I think it has to start by making every action in politics recorded and public. First their expenses. Then the budgets of the departments and then the minutes from the meeting until the minutiae of public office is available for all to see and investigate. There are many people out there who would pore through these documents looking for inconsistencies in policy and abuse of the system. Once they are held accountable, even if that is via media, for their actions they will be less inclined to take risks with our money and lives.
That must be better for all of us.