November 10, 2014 4:41PM 

# Why Transparency Is Important 

By [Jim Harper](https://www.cato.org/people/jim-harper) 

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The benefits of transparency are hard to explain. Bit by bit, we’re improving public oversight of government, [I’ve been heard to say](https://www.cato.org/blog/public-oversight-congress-one-click-time), implying more libertarian-friendly outcomes—never quite sure that I’m getting my message through.

Now comes a comment on transparency that articulates its importance better than I ever could. It’s Obamacare architect Jonathan Gruber describing how lacking transparency allowed the president’s signature health care regulation to pass.

A [gaffe in Washington](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_gaffe#Kinsley_gaffe) is when somebody tells the truth. Thanks to this one, more people may understand how non-transparent government undercuts their freedoms. Insisting on government transparency can protect them.

##### Related Tags 

[Health Care](https://www.cato.org/health-care), [Technology and Privacy](https://www.cato.org/technology-privacy) 

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