Transparency

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Posted: 1/24/08

Defined by Merriam-Webster as "characterized by visibility or accessibility of information" and "free from pretense or deceit," transparency is increasingly a part of Western institutions. Increasing quickly are the debates about, requests for and systems providing transparency.

The First Amendment - freedom of speech - protects our rights to discuss and critique issues affecting us all, and transparency enables us to do this - if we have the access. Americans have long held this to be true and are increasingly decentralizing these efforts. In Jan. 2007, Trendwatching.com reported transparency as one of five top trends for 2007.

As said on Trendwatching.com, the effects of transparency on the market have already been significant - effects such as prices, brand power and purchase decisions, which the group says is, "scaring the s--- out of [the] non-performing." As any business class would show, perfect competition requires informed decision-making.

Blogging and multimedia platforms, through so-called "citizen journalism," have already shown their power to catch crooks, expose flawed products and embarrass celebrities.

Nationally, projects such as FedSpending.org and Opensecrets.org aim to expose the inner financial details of the government and those who run it, in addition to donors of political campaigns.

Even pop-critic Perez Hilton has joined in reporting donations made to candidates by celebrities.

Adequate local transparency, however, has not yet been established. Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski stated in a Jan. 16 press release that transparency and oversight are guiding principles for economic and environmental sustainability.

Defending his position, Kulongoski said, "These issues are regional, non-partisan, long-term and critical to our economy, environment and quality of life."

On Jan. 4, the Oregon University System Board passed a proposal

to increase transparency in fees

and tuition.

Discussing similar topics during a Jan. 23 forum, President Ed Ray answered questions from students.

The Editorial Board has learned of ASOSU's desire to publish information about university fees.

The State of Oregon, OUS, OSU administration and ASOSU have seen the opportunity to greater serve their public. We encourage them to act quickly and make the information accessible. Since technological advancements have reduced the burden of publication and dissemination, little is needed to encourage these efforts.

Greater access to information not only exposes mistakes and criminal actions, but provides the opportunity for greater trust in oft-maligned institutions. Americans' First Amendment rights provide an excellent framework for effective, free communication and decision-making, but now, to advance our democracy, we require accurate, honest disclosure.

Editorials serve as a means for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale or diminutive. The views expressed here are a reflection of the editorial board's majority.