Keep citizens ignorant and blame them for their ignorance

I would like to respond to the quotations attributed to council member Yukimura in the article, "Government watchdogs on the prowl". Yukimura begins by stating that engaged citizens are a “very valuable resource,” and “Democracy only works well when we have actively participating citizens.” Yukimura is absolutely correct, but from that point on council member Yukimura begins a litany of "buts" and launches into thinly veiled left-handed attack critical of citizen involvement.

Yukimura advises, “When you get a soapbox to speak from, it’s really important to have your facts accurate and really listen carefully to what’s happening — not make assumptions, not jump to quick conclusions.” This advice in this context has the subtext that citizens may not have accurate facts, and may not listen carefully. Citizens may make assumptions and jumping to quick conclusions.

Yukimura continues, “You really have to become an expert in the subject so you can perform to the highest ideal. You can lead people in the wrong place.” The subtext: citizens may not be experts, may not perform to the highest ideals, and may lead people to the wrong place.

Yukimura concludes with an accurate description of the divide that exists today between county government and engaged citizens. “It can get to an attitude where, if you don’t agree with me, you’re wrong and stupid,” she said. “That’s more destructive than helpful.”

There is, however, an underlying fact not acknowledged by Yukimura when she gives advice that engaged citizens should have accurate facts, and become experts. To have accurate facts and becoming an expert is only possible if government allows engaged citizens access to information. If government boards, councils, and commissions refuse to disclose such information claiming "attorney-client privileged" then Yukimura's criticism is disingenuous.

It is the county government boards, councils, and commissions that refuse to release the facts and refuse to answer questions citizens ask so the citizen can get their facts straight and become experts.

Yukimura is critical of engaged citizens lacking the facts, not being experts, and not listening carefully while the count council does everything in its power to hide those facts under the cloak of attorney-client privilege.

Yukimura is a member of a county council that is responsible for keeping citizens ignorant, but rather than casting a critical eye on the actions of her colleagues (and perhaps herself) for refusing to waive attorney-client privilege she implies the fault lies with the engaged citizens, victims of government secrecy, for not having the facts, not being experts, and leading people to the wrong place.

Engaged citizens are not trying to lead people anywhere, but rather hold government officials accountable for their actions. Mahalo to council member Yukimura for at least speaking to this issue, and she can rest assured that engaged citizens are reading carefully, even between the lines.