The Right to Know What the Government is Doing

It is always refreshing to find out that the government has our best interests at heart, yet it so often happens that the opposite occurs. Recently in Florida a group of citizens got the opportunity to take legal action against their own government for not having the public records it was entitled to. They took issue with the fact that they were not allowed to see the public records of a sexual offender as they were granted a "public safety blanket" to keep them away from society. The courts ruled in favor of the citizens, and this was an amazing moment for the people's right to know.


The People's Right to Know Act was passed by congress in 1996. This act allows the people to view public records and learn more about someone else. In many cases, these people would have never been able to learn anything about a person if not for the internet. These people can obtain background check information, divorce records, marriage licenses, bankruptcy information and other things that were once considered to be private.

There are times when it is very important to get criminal records taken off of a person. Public criminal records are supposed to be available to everyone who requests them and they should be. People should not have to search through hundreds or even thousands of court records in order to find out information about someone.

Sometimes there are people in positions of power who try to hide criminal records from the people. This can go back to the previous administration and prevent the current administration from keeping such information confidential. If the previous administration had to disclose information about criminal records, what would happen? Would businesses try to use this information against an individual who may someday lead the company into bankruptcy? Without the right to know, this information simply will not be known to anyone.

The right to know can make a huge difference. It makes it much easier for you to make important decisions about employment, your children and family and your own safety. The right to know can keep you out of harm's way. You just never know when it may be your life saving.

Everyone should know about criminal records. It is true that most employers do not check criminal histories on potential employees. However, you still have to check the background of any new person who is interested in buying a home or taking care of your children. When a man or woman has been accused of a crime, their record is reported to the police department. However, most people do not realize that anyone can have a criminal record and still be able to get a job.

This is why it is essential to know if the person you are talking to about obtaining criminal records has any previous offenses. You could easily be lied to and your personal safety could be put at risk. There have been cases where people have been falsely accused of crimes that they did not commit. If you are suspicious about an applicant, then make sure to check their criminal records before you give them access to anything that can compromise you and your family.

The people's right to know what the government is doing is not limited to criminals. Any citizen has the right to know what their tax return looks like. They have the right to know if their income tax statements are accurate and up to date. They have the right to know if there are errors on their federal tax returns. You must always protect your financial well-being and remain aware of what your tax records say about you.