Openness

I don't think there is anything more impressive about Obama's presidency as his apparent commitment to openness and accountability.

This is more than just a great catharsis after the extremely-closed and obviously-deceitful Bush presidency. I think that it sets an incredible precedent going forward for what we will expect from our government. Fingers crossed that it sticks.

And hopefully it doesn't just stick in the Executive branch, but needs to spread to the Legislative branch.

I hope I can look back at this post someday and agree that it really did mark the start of a lasting change in what we expect from our government.

It's really incredible to be able to sit at a computer and watch a weekly address from the president at your convenience. Whether or not you agree with what is said, it just feels completely proper that it be done that way.

It'll be interesting to see how it goes once the "honeymoon period" for the presidency is over.

I'd love to see weekly addresses made available from both the majority and minority leaders of both the House and Senate as well. Maybe in time.

Hm - is this hope I'm feeling? ;-)

Although I don't agree with the economics behind the stimulus plan, pledging to make it transparent is very positive. To promote that openness, here's this week's address discussing the stimulus plan - for posterity, and in case you didn't see it yet.