“That isn’t true.” “Prove it.”
Perhaps it’s time to pay one of those research firms to see the amount of times these two phrases are used in regular conversation.
Questioning the validity of anything is in our human nature. We see this on a most basic level in our personal relationships. Powerful friendships and healthy relationships with loved ones are supported by honesty and trust.
When there is a lack of trust, doubt forms. Then, one individual begins to question the motives of others. The values of openness and accountability are learned through our interactions with other individuals.
Here at CMU, an amalgam of academic, faculty and student interest drives the university as a community. Student interests are represented through clubs and student organizations, which are funded by the student fees that every student pays.
The Fee Allocation Committee, an arm of ASG, handles the allocation of student fees to clubs and organizations. I am the Student Media Board representative. The rest of the committee is made up of other students appointed to collectively represent various organizations and clubs, effectively representing all students. This keeps the process of the allocation of student fees to various clubs and organizations fair and accurate.
Lack of this kind of accountability is rampant in government and law enforcement. Look at problems concerning police misconduct. Two Colorado State Troopers were recently fired after a lengthy court battle and public scandal involving the shooting death of Grand Valley resident Jason Kemp. It was determined that each trooper broke the law and violated Kemp’s civil rights during events that resulted in Kemp’s death.
These Troopers chose to violate Kemp’s rights and break the law, and they have been punished, but why did they break the law? Why does any law enforcement officer break the law?
I see two main reasons. It benefits them, either their investigation or a personal motive, and they can get away with it. If law enforcement knew that they couldn’t get away with bending or breaking rules, they wouldn’t.
Sure, you can listen to a police scanner, you can request incident reports. Still, a lot of police activity stays off of the radar, like cell phone calls and private meetings. Not to mention the new surveillance drones now in use by the Mesa County Sheriff’s Department. Where is the accountability for these activities? How does an individual citizen, the person who pays for law enforcement, know that their monies are being used and spent in an ethical and responsible way in these activities?
From personal relationships all the way to government, openness reigns supreme. As individuals in personal relationships and citizens of a free society, we must demand honesty and explanations by all entities that impact our lives.