Isms: Views on life in rural America

A free press has been always a common denominator in this country’s history. Since the origin of the “Federalist” papers, which offered the ideas which became the U.S. Constitution, the press has played an active role in being the watchdogs - or fourth state - ensuring American citizens, and their civil liberties, are protected.

The free press serves as the voice of the people, providing transparency and challenging government abuse of power.

In several states, including Nebraska, lawmakers are attempting to limit the press’ reach. Nebraska Press Association correspondent J.L. Schmidt addresses a concern about a decision made by our state’s attorney general, limiting information to the ombudsman’s office. You can read his assessment of the situation in the column adjacent to this.

A “Lincoln Journal-Star” editorial about Attorney General Mike Hilgers’ decision summarizes transparency in this state, saying, “Nebraska has seen a slow and disturbing erosion of government transparency and accountability, even as politicians tout their devotion to those pillars of our government while on the campaign trail.” Schmidt points it out and I agree with the LJS editorial board’s opinion.

Look no further than Lincoln and the statehouse, where Gov. Jim Pillen recently denied a Freedom of Information Act request, based on “executive privilege,” from “Flatwater Free Press,” an independent, nonprofit news organization. Nebraska’s public record laws and state constitution do not include the “executive privilege” phrase.

To quote FFP, “Nebraska journalists use public records in reporting that influences government operations and provides the public important information.”

The public has a right to know. Arkansas citizens have a right to know, too.

The state’s house and senate will consider two pieces of key legislation, in an upcoming special session, that basically creates a new list of exemptions to the state’s Freedom of Information Act. According to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Arkansas FOIA law exposes her and other constitutional officers to security risks and slows down government operations. She told the “Arkansas Democrat-Gazette” that revamping the law is “personal.” Any security records from the governor’s mansion and security detail would also be exempt from a FOIA request.

Back home, Pillen has been reluctant to distribute a calendar of public appearances to media outlets, a definite break from past administrations. A spokesperson from his office claims he is “very accessible.”

However, if we, the fourth estate, are not privy to what events at which he will be, how are we able to report or ask questions? How are we able to ensure transparency for Nebraska citizens? How can we guarantee our civil liberties are not being chiseled away, slowly, piece by piece? We can’t.

The public’s right to know isn’t a Republican or Independent or Democrat right. It’s an “everyman” right that should not be blurred by party lines. We all deserve better. We deserve transparency.

Above the north entrance of our state’s capitol, these words are etched, “The salvation of the state is watchfulness of the citizen.”

Citizens depend on media to be the watchdogs, to shed light on governmental operations. Elected officials take an oath to follow the law, not violate it. If public officials avoid transparency, doesn’t it make you wonder what he or she may be hiding?

Thomas Jefferson explained the role of the watchdog best when, in 1787, he said, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

Words worth remembering.