This week is something of a follow-up from last week’s question and also comes from Gregory Stock’s The Book of Questions: What kind of people would be attracted to politics given a loss of privacy? How do you think such openness would affect lobbying? What would be your biggest concern about such transparency?

Well for starters, seems like only real go-getters would want to be politicians. No hiding your dirty laundry or shady backroom deals anymore! You’d have to be pretty bold and shameless to put it all out there. Might attract some real characters looking for fame and attention more than wanting to serve the public good. Can you imagine the reality show potential? *AHEM* Like, maybe, a certain ex-president…

As for lobbying, that could get pretty awkward fast. Hard to wine and dine politicians to influence them when all your “gifts” are public record. Could make for some entertaining viewing to see who’s in bed with who though! Gotta get rid of those loopholes. Don’t worry corporate America, I’m sure you’d find new creative ways to peddle influence. You always do!

But in all seriousness, my biggest concern would be around personal privacy and safety. Policies affect real people, and forcing politicians to be 100% transparent in their decision-making could threaten their personal lives and families. People have a right to some privacy, even politicians. And what about confidential matters of national security? Some things need to be kept under wraps.

Interesting idea for sure, but we’d have to tread carefully. The public deserves transparency from elected officials, absolutely! But we also can’t forget their humanity. As usual, the best policy likely lies somewhere in the middle.

What do you all think? Would full transparency in politics be a net positive or negative for society? Let’s chat in the comments!