On Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 3:01 PM, Jennifer Bell <
[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Actually, does anyone here have a use for a 'band together to get data'-type of tool like the one below this very instant?
>
> If so, it's something I could set up on the way to implementing VisibleGovernment.ca's Access to Information Request Tracker.
This honestly seems like a very promising way forward. Tracking what
the government does sounds like ongoing work, and puts us in a
'policing' role - frankly, this is something the AG's office or
someone in government should be doing anyways. Demanding specific data
that's ours be opened up seems natural for citizens. It's ours, and we
should have it.
It reminds me of FACIL suing the QC government over procurement
policies that fail to consider OSS alternatives. We are often too nice
and accept the unacceptable when we should be demanding. Making a list
of *demands* for things that are already ours is a proper attitude to
have towards bureaucracies that would lock up our common property.
Also, this could be a great way to identify support and build
coalitions across business and community groups.
Plus, as far as apps go, that's a rather easy one to build!
--Daniel.