Many people have called for increased transparency in government, especially with intelligence agencies like the NSA, but perhaps what they really mean is better accountability.

The two terms are often used in tandem, but the contrast is vital to understanding the checks and balances we cherish in our democracy. To the extent that it is possible to have one without the other, which is more acceptable in our society? Which is more highly valued? Or, do we simply want the overseers of the agencies to do their jobs?

First, let’s look at the two expressions independently.

There are few articles that have published about California's nonpartisan, top-two primary system that seem interested in factual information about Proposition 14, the 2010 ballot measure written by the Independent Voter Project and approved by California voters to reform the old closed primary system.

As a non-presidential election year, voter turnout in 2014 is not likely to be very high. Congressional approval remains below 15 percent. North Carolina voter turnout is expected to be less than 20 percent.

There is no question that social networks sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus have revolutionized the way we not only communicate on a global scale, but the way we acquire and process information. As a society, we are always looking for ways to get our information faster.

In 2010, California became the second state to adopt a nonpartisan primary system. This should be most markedly distinguished from traditional primary systems by its purpose.

Last week, at the end of President Obama's Asian tour, the president was able to conclude the final touches on a mutual defense pact with the Philippines, a significant foreign policy victory for America.

Once an American colony (1898-1946), American presence in the Philippines in recent history has been cool at best. The last permanent military base on the Philippines was abandoned in 1992 after a fiery rejection of American military presence by the Filipino government.

The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense. – Thomas Edison

To win a political race, it’s not enough to be right about the issues. You’ve got to be able to mobilize a coalition of people who will support you. Without that, you’re just another person with good ideas.

As we move into May of election year, our hard work is paying real dividends in my independent race for Governor of Massachusetts.

As anyone who has read my book knows, I do not consider “original intent” a legitimate principle of Constitutional interpretation. Constitutions, like most laws, are the products of compromise and negotiation among people with very different intents.

Those soldiers and veterans who are struggling with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD have some hope on the horizon. Research studies have shown that the drug 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine, better known as MDMA (or ecstasy), is having a remarkable effect on PTSD sufferers.

A law that would have meant a DUI conviction if you had trace amounts of THC in your blood failed in the California Legislature last week.

AB 2500, by Assemblyman Jim Frazier, would have meant you could be convicted of driving under the influence if any amount of THC metabolites were found in your blood stream.