How President Obama Ensures Openness in Government
By Rakesh Raman
The U.S. administration has created an online interface that encourages Americans to collectively discuss the crucial issues with the government.
These may be economic, social, political, environmental, human rights-related or other issues on which people want an official response from the government.
President Barack Obama said, “My administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in government. We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in government.”
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The interface works under the banner “We the People” and allows Americans a way to engage the government on the issues that matter to them.
“We the People” interface, available on the White House website, accepts people’s representations in the form of petitions. The user who posts the petition invites others in their network to sign the petition. And if a petition meets the signature threshold, it will be reviewed by the administration and the petitioner can expect an official response.
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Some of the petitions currently available on the site cover issues such as postal service reforms, human rights in Sri Lanka, legalization of marijuana, freedom of speech and religion, and others.
President Obama also responds to some petitions. For example, a message from President Obama is delivered for a petition on reducing gun violence.
You need to create an account on the website to start your petition. If you are concerned about an issue, you can start your petition right away.
By Rakesh Raman, the managing editor of RMN Company
You also can read: More Articles by the RMN Editor, Rakesh Raman
Photo / Video courtesy: White House
