Edit: Chipping away at transparency

Chipping away at transparency and access to public records often begins with seemingly small word changes meant to secure public safety against deadly threats. The Patriot Act is a large-scale version of this: something perceived as an effective measure - at the time - to prevent another terrorist attack. We are concerned that such could be the case with proposed changes coming out of the Idaho Legislature that would restrict public records about “critical infrastructure.” The House last week passed HB 447, which would make it more difficult, if not impossible, for news organizations and the public to access certain information about, for example, public utilities. Some revised wording in the bill, proponents say, could be used to thwart a terrorist attack — the bad guys couldn’t get the kind of details they might want to carry out a plot against a utility or a power system. We’re all for thwarting terrorist attacks, but what’s the cost of giving up our public access?/ Idaho Statesman Editorial Board. More here.

Question: Do you understand why it’s important to keep public records public?