In the Name of Freedom

America has a lot to celebrate in the name of freedom. Today is a day of many to reflect back on the principles by which our nation was founded. While it may be late in the day, lateness does not enter into the freedom picture. From the time we wake up in the morning to the time we retire for the night throughout all the hours of sleeping, freedom abounds!

March 16 is...

National Freedom of Information Day

 

Happy Birthday, James Madison--born March 16, 1751! If that name doesn't ring a bell, what about the phrase We the People? Madison is widely regarded as the father of the Constitution of the United States. The author of the Bill of Rights. Now, that bell surely is ringing loud and clear!

James Madison was the fourth President of the United States. Freedom of information and individual rights were important to Madison so it is fitting for his birthday to be celebrated as Freedom of Information Day. He was noted as being a strong advocate for openness in government.  In 1966, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was passed into law and signed by President Lyndon Johnson. FOIA is a law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. 

Freedom of Information Day is an annual event dedicated to raise the profile of the principles of openness and transparency in civil administration. It is a day marked by conferences and conventions that explore and debate the subject of Freedom of Information (known as FOI). This is regarded as an important discussion area by the legal community, the press, policy makers, and public interest groups.

The issues around FOI have changed considerably since the era of James Madison, and in contemporary politics new questions are being asked about what data national agencies holds on its citizens, how this data is obtained and how it is being used. As a subject of political debate, FOI has never been more topical.

It is your "right to know" and to educate others about the importance of promoting and protecting freedom of information.

Celebrate Freedom of Information any day, everyday by educating yourself on your rights to government information. It's your government.

This is America! This is Freedom!