OpenGov - Open Government Brainstorm Uncategorized

Review the current interview process for immigrants abroad. Currently the decision to grant or deny a visa rests solely with the immigration officer conducting the interview. The denial is often times based on opinion not fact. This leaves the applicant and the beneficiary very little options on how to defend the denial if they don't have a specific reason for the denial.

Establish the President’s Management Council as the key oversight structure for creating a more open government. The President’s Management Council can effectively engage Deputy Secretaries of the cabinet-level departments and agencies, providing top-level management support for open government. As the key Executive Branch official, the Chief Performance Officer should take responsibility for directing the overall Open... more »

Overconsumption of sugary soft drinks is a major contributor to obesity and related health issues, and is hence a big cause of out-of-control health care costs. A moderate tax on sugary soft drinks, and the elimination of the corn subsidies that make high-fructose corn syrup calories so cheap, will steer consumers to healthier alternatives. This is traditionally called a "sin tax".

Similarly, while most Americans agree... more »

Over the last eight years, our agency maintained a fairly open dialog with the public on issues of scientific and technological advancement. Our agency was able to do so because we looked to the research community and the peer review process for guidance about whether a research breakthrough was valid, important and of interest to the public.

1. To maintain transparency, it should be federal policy that all agencies... more »

*SORRY, I MADE A MISTAKE POSTING THIS. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS SITE. NEXT TIME I'LL READ THE DIRECTIONS. THIS FORUM IS FOR IDEAS ON HOW TO CREATE A MORE OPEN GOVERMENT.*

I DELETED THE POST, TO MAKE AMDENDS FOR MY MISTAKE. THANKS

The government needs to open up on Extraterrestrial technology and tell the truth. I know for a fact that UFOs are real. This is the turning point of humanity and now is the best time to be honest. Please, release all documents containing information on extraterrestrials and their technology.

I would recommend installing electric smart meter technology in each federal building and appoint one employee to monitor and attempt to reduce the building's energy use. This could be the first stage in a larger process of installing solar panels on all federal buildings.

I think government officials should not socialize with members of the press. Part of the reason the press corp is not objective is that they don't want to offend government officials with hard questions for fear of losing access.
For example, I understand Wolf Blitzer's annual Christmas party is attended by many congressmen and other government officials.
There are very few countries where government and press are so... more »

Congress should have the ability to vote on each line item in a bill rather than the current all-or-nothing approach. the president should also have line item veto power.

2. Support the "First" responders in NY City!

3. Give American's a "REAL" Bailout!

4. Dissolve the following ACTS $ stop *.* spying on Americans:
*The Military Commission Act 2006
*The John Warner Act 2007
*The Protect America Act of 2007

5. Prosecute anyone who had anything to do with the Bush torture program to include civilian psychologist!

6. Address the (TI) "Targeted Individual" issue here in the... more »

IF, this is pushed through for ALL Americans, then I want it mandated that congress and all federal agencies will be under the same insurance.
If it is good for the average citizen then it is will be good for those in government. We do not need an exempted class.

What good for the goose is good for the gander.

As was observed by both Plato and Aristotle 2500 years ago, an educated population is necessary for democratic processes to work. Simply establishing machinery for access to decision makers is not enough. To achieve the goal of an educated population, one must reconstitute the school system. This means establishing a mandatory curriculum that includes philosophy and critical thinking at all levels. Getting people... more »

Recommendation: Free-access databases should stay free, and and system developers should be able to rely on this.

Title: Provide a reference information system and service to improve communication between everyone (e.g., people, groups, organizations, cultures, nations) and computers.


People need information to perform at their best level and to make their best decisions. Much of that information now comes from information systems over a network such as the Internet. These information systems have database, business rule,... more »

The World, As I, We, You May See It:
The Strive For The Concept Of "Happiness" And How To Usefully Maintain It
(Written In Response To The Open Government Idea Brainstorm, May 22, 2009)
By
Ben Shannon

The Intro:
Each of us Human Beings live our lives day to day striving to maintain a level of balance, of general happiness. Events can seemingly come and go like changing seasons. Some of us are in a position to move,... more »