Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Freedom of information is not only a right; it is something that most citizens of the United States of America should take advantage of.
Freedom of Information Day is celebrated on March 16, the birthday of former President James Madison. Madison, who was the fourth chief executive of the United States and author of the United States Constitution, was a staunch advocate of openness in government.
"A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps, both,” Madison once wrote about government transparency. “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." Madison also asserted that "the advancement and diffusion of knowledge" are "the only Guardian of true liberty."
Madison's fight for transparency echoed throughout the centuries, instilling many to keep the government accountable. On July 4, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Freedom of Information Act, which required the government to partially or fully disclose previously unreleased information to the public upon request. Though he had early reservations about the law himself, he ultimately moved forward with signing off on it.
"I have always believed that freedom of information is so vital that only the national security, not the desire of public officials or private citizens, should determine when it must be restricted," Johnson said as he signed the Freedom of Information Act into law.
Over the years, the federal Freedom of Information Act has been amended, and laws have been adopted in each state to reflect the state-level version of the law.
Florida, for example, was one of the earliest states that passed laws regarding government transparency.
Florida Governor Napoleon Broward signed into law Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, which covers public records of 1909. Over the years, the chapter has evolved into public records not only regarding state-level business but also records pertaining to local government, public works departments, law enforcement, and other areas that are governed by political entities.
Another state example is the Sunshine Law, which was established in 1967 and codified in Chapter 286 of the Florida Statutes. These statutes establish a fundamental right of access to most meetings of boards, commissions and other governing bodies of state and local governmental agencies or authorities. Information provided on public notice boards at government buildings and legal ads in newspapers is a result of Sunshine Law. It ensures that the public has the right to be present and heard at government meetings, maintaining a level of transparency.
Freedom of Information Day reminds citizens that they have the right to transparency from our local, state and federal government. Additionally, citizens should never feel intimidated by requesting this information. It is a right. The Florida State Statutes and federal law guarantee this.