The right of the people to know - a reflection

"The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created."

That text is from the Washington State Open Public Meetings Act (RCW42.30.010).  The people must know what government is doing in order to have a informed and fruitful discussion.  If the people are kept in the dark, the government officials are trying to usurp the people's sovereignty and should face a punishment.  This is essential in order to keep democracy.

This principle of openness should be expanded to all government function.  That might cost more, but it will help us stay in control of our corporate government.


The OPMA was enacted in 1971.  Washington State was a lot more of a democratic republic in those days.  These days are darker, with special interests in Olympia in control of much of our affairs and our lives.