LESSON 11 - transparency

Word of the week: TRANSPARENCY

Related expressions 

 1. transparency – transparency, as used in the humanities, implies openness, communication, and accountability. It is a metaphorical extension of the meaning used in the physical sciences: a "transparent" object is one that can be seen through to see what is behind it
Companies are taking corporate transparency very seriously as they don’t want to be accused of corruption or bribery.

2. abuse – to use or treat someone or something wrongly or badly, especially in a way that is to your own advantage
I don’t like when people abuse their positions and think of their interests first.
 
3. accountable – Someone who is accountable is completely responsible for what they do and must be able to give a satisfactory reason for it
Politicians should be accountable for their actions which anger many people.


In context

Barack Obama during his first day in office promised “a new era of openness”. To emphasize the importance of the statement he went on to say that “transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of his presidency”. A few days later he put his words into practice when he stated on public television that he had made a mistake in handling the appointment of Tom Daschle, his Health and Human Services secretary. Mr. Daschle had to withdraw from Obama’s administration when it was disclosed that he failed to pay his taxes.
 
Whenever the word transparency appears it is used to show that irresponsible behavior of businesses or leaders is not hidden from view but made available for public scrutiny. Companies are being asked to explain their approach to a growing number of social, ethical and environmental issues. Transparent laws help to minimize the opportunity for any organization to abuse the system in their own interest. Transparent procedures, like disclosing information through media channels or reviewing documents, enable courts to hold people accountable for their deeds.


Read more
CNS news
Science Daily
Boing-Boing.net


Listen and repeat
LISTENING/LESSON 11