EDITORIAL: Where's the much-needed transparency?

President Donald Trump wasted little time responding to former FBI Director James Comey’s testimony to Congress. Trump accused Comey of uttering false statements and lies and described him as a “leaker.”

President Trump’s attorney issued a statement claiming: “The president never, in form, or substance, directed or suggested, that Mr. Comey stop investigating anyone, including the president ... The president never told Mr. Comey, ‘I need loyalty. I expect loyalty.’”

Trump’s attorney also asserted Trump never demanded Comey’s loyalty. “He never said it in form and he never said it in substance ... From before this president took office until this day, it is overwhelmingly clear that there have been and continue to be those in government who are actively attempting to undermine this administration with selective and illegal leaks of classified information and privileged communications.”

Clearly, we are faced with two distinctly different versions of what was voiced as these two powerful government officials met privately behind closed doors. And, that is regrettable.

Trust is the foundation of any relationship. And, any lack of trust is destructive to the democratic process, spawning a sensation of insecurity in the stakeholders required to engage in the decision-making process via the ballot box.

Information is power, and citizens denied access to accurate data are rendered ineffectual in playing their vital role in the process. This drama playing out in Washington, D.C. demonstrates why transparency is such an essential weapon in combating corruption.

A healthy republic is rife with open dialogue. It encourages civic-minded public engagement and welcomes differences of opinion.

Clandestine meetings and secrecy are the tools of despots, determined to retain personal power at all costs. As stakeholders in this republic, we must demand transparency ... and integrity. There is no substitute for character.