The Daily Sentinel (Grand Junction): Today marks the start of Sunshine Week, the annual nationwide celebration of access to public information.

Indeed, Americans should appreciate that they have unprecedented access to their government. The foundation of self-rule is that government derives all of its powers from the public and is answerable to the public.

Unfortunately, government officials aren’t always keen to share what they’re up to. That’s why we have sunshine laws — to protect the public’s right to know.

Jim Zachary, the editor of the Valdosta Times, reminds us of the government’s obligation to openly account for its actions:

“From the courthouse, to the statehouse to the White House, it is your right to know what government is up to.

“Every deliberation by city council, county commission, the General Assembly or U.S. Congress is the people’s business.

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