Restoring transparency to the executive branch

“Publicity is justly commended as a remedy for social and industrial diseases. Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.”
— Louis Brandeis

One hallmark of a functioning democracy is the transparency in its operations. It’s the only way to sustain public trust in elected officials. Indeed, transparency has declined in executive branch operations, and public trust has declined with it.

Today, I wrote a card to White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, laying out the case for restoring daily press briefings. I want to believe that the executive branch is working in some way for the benefit the American people. Restoring the tradition of responding daily to basic questions from the press would be a solid first step in convincing me.