Come Along, Citizens, To Cast That First Stone

Come along, citizens. If you will call on your legislators to be open in their discussion of public matters, you come along, too.

Now, we cannot have legislators texting back and forth without us having access to it. Just can't. 'Tis an outrage. Who knows what manner of undo influence someone might wield on them if we do not learn of it.

I say, make it public. Make it all public.

Privacy? These are public officials, you know, and when a person enters the public arena, they give up much of their privacy. You've heard that said, and probably said it yourself.

Would ask you to notice, though, that this is not like watching a basketball game or a movie. You are not just a spectator this time around. Often, you do more than just comment on these public matters. You join in the process. You, too, seek to have a say in what is done. Yes, you are more than a spectator. You are a participant.

Well, then, maybe your doings should be a matter of public record, as well. Something along the lines of, Let him that is without sin cast the first stone. If we would have them be open, we must be open, too.

And, if you haven't noticed, that is exactly what will happen. If the legislator's text messages and email and correspondence are to be open, so will the text messages and email and correspondence from all the constituents -- that would be you.

Now, you might sense sarcasm in the way I have said this, but do not suppose that means I do not like it that our doings should be a matter of public record. I do.