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SoftTalker • today at 3:31 AM • 1 reply • view on HN

Why should any bit of the lawmaking process be secret?


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dizzant • today at 4:51 AM

Transparency has a cost. There are several good reasons, but my favorite is intellectual freedom. Policy makers would be much less likely to explore bold reforms or risky bipartisan compromises if their draft quality notes and correspondences were publicly tied to their political reputation. It takes significant work to produce successful legislation, and much of that work can be productively and safely done without direct public oversight. This is the same reason an individual might value a private journal.

If you have a problem with your representative’s behavior, call their office and ask about it. They will certainly have a reason. Tell them if you disagree, and vote when you can.

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