Transparent Government

January 20, 2014
In this call to arms, community activist Gordon (Piss ’Em All Off: And Other Practices of the Effective Citizen) explores how the institution of a transparent government can enhance civic engagement. He defines “transparency” as the dissemination of detailed information about governmental data in a manner that is “accessible, comprehensible, and enticing.” Analyzing recent efforts to promote transparency in several American cities through the use of social media, Gordon concludes that the best programs allow citizens to interact with government officials to shape policies. In his fervent belief in transparency, however, Gordon overestimates its potential benefits, claiming that it is “changing the political landscape.” He also makes proposals that are not entirely feasible: not only should government information be widely accessible, he suggests, but governments should also provide citizens with abstracts of each article submitted, as well as information about “mechanisms and processes.” Furthermore, Gordon doesn’t discuss transparency in relation to lobbyists or campaigning. Gordon’s in-depth discussion of governmental transparency is perhaps more suitable for government insiders than lay readers. Agent: Nancy Rosenfeld, AAA Books Unlimited.