承諾公共事務透明化? 美總統參選人多所遲疑 | 環境資訊中心
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承諾公共事務透明化? 美總統參選人多所遲疑

2007年08月22日
摘譯自2007年8月17日ENS美國,華府報導;鄭佳宜編譯;蔡麗伶審校

2007年美國總統布希進行國情咨文演說(圖片來源:White House)美國總統參選人當中,目前唯一一位願意承諾在當選後開放政策透明化的是新任墨西哥州長、民主黨的理查森(Bill Richardson),尤其是針對環境政策而言。

「環境責任公職人員組織」(PEER)發起這份公職承諾書,呼籲所有參選人承諾在任內將公共事務透明化,把重要公文存留於公領域,並保護那些「說真話的」科學家和誠實的示警者。

PEER 從6月中開始透過電話、傳真、電郵和信件聯絡各個陣營,詢問參選人是否願意謹守份際,絕不壓抑或透過政治操作干涉科學,特別在環保議題上。這些正是布希政府最為人詬病的舉措。

該組織代表政府自然資源單位的公職人員,持續和各陣營聯繫。PEER執行長路克(Jeff Ruch)表示,「我們肯定理查森州長毫不遲疑的承諾,願意保護公共事務的價值。」

路克說:「坦白而論,其他參選人所表現的遲疑態度讓人不安。他們所算計的無非是這份承諾是否和選戰策略相符。」前參議員愛德華(John Edwards)以一份模稜兩可的信回覆說:「願針對你們所提出的議題中我的立場進行討論……」

前阿肯色州長哈克貝(Mike Huckabee)則由其陣營中的部屬,以電話表達明確的回應,表示「這一次」將拒絕承諾。

「這些參選人似乎無法在這些基本議題上表達明確看法,這實在令人迷惘。」路克認為,「選民理應看清那些競逐大位者,誰將誠實擺在資訊掌控之上。」

Presidential Candidates Queried on Environmental Openness
WASHINGTON, DC, August 17, 2007 (ENS)

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a Democrat, is the only presidential candidate of either party to sign a pledge to adhere to principles of open government if elected, especially with respect to the environment.

Developed by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, PEER, the Public Service Pledge calls upon candidates to commit their presidency to conduct the public business in the open, keep vital documents in the public domain, protect scientists "who report inconvenient truths," and protect whistleblowers.

Beginning in mid-June, PEER contacted all the campaigns by phone, fax, email and letter asking whether the candidate would abide by policies that avoid suppression and political manipulation of science, particularly on environmental issues - practices that have become a hallmark of the Bush administration.

The organization, which represents government employees in natural resources agencies, has followed up repeatedly with each campaign.

"We applaud Governor Richardson for being forthright and committing without hesitation to protecting the values of public service," said PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch.

"Frankly, it is disquieting that the other candidates need so much time to ponder whether an unambiguous pledge of open and transparent government fits within their campaign strategies," Ruch said.

Former Senator John Edwards sent an equivocal letter offering "to discuss where I stand on the issues that you have presented…"

Only one other candidate, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, gave a definitive answer, rejecting the pledge "at this time" via a phone call from his campaign staff.

"We are mystified that these candidates seem unable to express a clear opinion on these basic issues," Ruch said. "Presumably, voters want to know whether a presidential aspirant values honesty over message control."

全文及圖片詳見ENS

作者

蔡麗伶(LiLing Barricman)

In my healing journey and learning to attain the breath awareness, I become aware of the reality that all the creatures of the world are breathing the same breath. Take action, here and now. From my physical being to the every corner of this out of balance's planet.