Republicanism is the value system that built the United States of America
Since the early days of our country and the American Revolution, the idea of liberty and rights as central values, where the people are more important than the political powers in force, was the foundation for republicanism, and really summarizes what the founding fathers fought for from the beginning.
However, there seems to be a forgetfulness on the part of most people today to stand up for what is right, and to gloss over how in the name of "doing the people's work" politicians, political leaders, and our elected officials seem to forget who they report to.
The California Brown Act has been circumvented in more ways than one today. It is quite apparent from local issues that information is being discussed behind closed doors, out of the eyes and ears of the people. This is not good.
Our elected officials that fall into this trap, of allowing themselves to discuss issues before they are officially placed on the table, can open themselves up to so many things that might seem good on the surface, but underneath are fraught with unforeseen land mines. When discussing issues behind closed doors, they can easily be swayed to accept a plan by a developer offering the world, when in fact the developer only has their own best interest at heart and probably has not considered all the unintended consequences from the "Peoples" standpoint. The elected officials that choose to discuss business this way are not hearing all the pros and cons of a proposal when meeting in a way that circumvents the Brown Act.
Typically, elected officials are not held to task on these issues. Even some of the City Attorneys are guilty of not holding to the intent of the law, and look for ways around having to follow the law.
The Brown Act
The Brown Act, originally a 686 word statute that has grown substantially over the years, was enacted in response to mounting public concerns over informal, undisclosed meetings held by local elected officials which were not in compliance with requirements for advance public notice; instead, they were skirting laws by holding secret 'workshops' and 'study sessions'. The Brown Act solely applies to California city and county government agencies, boards, and councils, whereas the comparable Bagley-Keane Act mandates open meetings for State government agencies. Source Wikipedia: Brown Act.
The Law
"In enacting this chapter, the Legislature finds and declares that the public commissions, boards and councils and the other public agencies in this State exist to aid in the conduct of the people's business. It is the intent of the law that their actions be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly.
"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."
Listen up folks, pay attention to what is going on in your community today.
Ben Franklin
I would like to say thank you to all the birthday well-wishers for my 301 years of age.
I Don't Feel Like A Day Over 71
This thing called the Internet is great. This is right up my alley and for Mrs. Silence Dogood. She would have really taken to this new media outlet.
I see that people have not changed at all. Politics is still as contentious as ever. Anyways, don't be silent. Stand up for what is right. Don't be fooled by leaders that say one thing but do another. People will not change and because of this it is your responsibility and civic duty as a citizen to reject corruption in public life. This must start at the local level and extend out to the national level. It is imperative for the health of our country and local communities, that citizens take a more active stance and insist on public accountability.
Don't be fooled by public officials that would belittle citizens for questioning what is going on. Don't be fooled by those that bring accolades upon themselves. They think they are wise, but they are fools. Pride is not a virtue.
If you would like to get a hold of me, feel free to send me an email. The link for my email address is located on the side bar area.
Sincerely,
Ben Franklin
