Quit Hiding, Rick Berg

To the Editor

North Dakota has tough laws about government accountability and open meetings - the sunshine laws. We like knowing what the people in our government are getting up to, whether it’s legislators in the state capitol, Public Service Commission members, or even the heads of the state’s public universities and colleges.

One public official who hasn’t taken this stance to heart is current Republican congressman and wannabe senator Rick Berg. He recently voted to close debate on H.R. 1540 to the public. He wasn’t alone - all but 17 members of the House of Representatives voted to keep prying eyes away from what they were doing. The legislation in question authorizes defense spending for the military for the coming year. The most controversial aspect of the bill is an amendment that declares the United States of America a war zone and allows indefinite detention American citizens accused of supporting terrorism. No trials, no access to a lawyer, no chance of proving their guilt or innocence in public.

Even murderers and rapists get their day in court. Has the threat of terrorism shaken Rick Berg to his core? Is he so worried America will crumble at the threat of a few crazy lunatics he’s willing to shred our Constitution, our rights, our way of life, before the terrorists get the chance? Who knows? Like the innocence or guilt of American citizens if this bill passes, it’s hard to tell because he’s willing to vote to keep the proceedings from ever seeing the light of day. Is he afraid enemies of America will hear what he says? Or is he afraid the voters back home won’t like what they learn about his views on the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Amendments?

It sure is hard to tell how Rick Berg is doing at representing North Dakota when he hides behind closed doors. But maybe that’s the point.

Ryan Gustafson
Shibushi, Japan