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Published: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 / Updated: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 07:10 PM

Democracy needs FOI

Public information.

Two little words that when combined pack a powerful meaning. In a democracy, part of the package is that every citizen has a right to know what those in government know. That's every level of government, from the White House on down to local boards and agencies, including law enforcement.

Some government entities have to be reminded of that now and then. Among those, as a recent story of ours documented, was the Tega Cay Police Department. We were forced to complain that they were violating the Freedom of Information Act by blacking out portions of incident reports that are considered public information. Actually, it's been a problem for more than a decade; sometimes the reports would comply with FOIA guidelines and sometimes they would not.

Although we've complained about it in the past, it wasn't until recently that we escalated the complaint to the level that seems to have done the trick. On every occasion since, the Tega Cay Police Department incident reports we've seen have been in complete compliance. Department officials said they weren't intentionally withholding information from the public but rather were looking to protect the privacy of people – mostly victims – whose names appear in the report. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt and say the department's heart was in the right place.

That doesn't mean, however, the practice is acceptable.

It's regrettable any time government has to be asked to make public information available to the public; but, at the same time, it's gratifying to see a newly-educated agency comply.

Be smart, avoid flu bugs

If you haven't had to contend with either seasonal flu or swine flu in your home, or don't know someone who has, consider yourself lucky. This year, the seasonal virus and the H1N1, aka “swine flu,” virus are making the rounds faster than the latest hit on YouTube.

We know those cyber videos and postings aren't called “viral” for nothing.

Even if you've been lucky, luck doesn't have to determine if you're affected or not. Primarily, ask your doctor ASAP about getting the vaccines. If you suspect you or someone you care for has been infected, do not hesitate to get treatment. If it's the swine flu, we've heard too many stories about untreated people – children in particular – developing dangerous secondary infections.

Also, practice common sense such as washing your hands and/or using sanitizer often, especially after touching doorknobs and other things in public places.

If you're one of the poor souls who are already stricken and now recovering, you have our sympathy. But, please, do the rest of us a favor and stay indoors until you are well!