Wow!  The Democracy Index has downgraded the United States from a full democracy to a flawed one.  It is the first time our country has fallen into the lower ranking since they started grading countries in 2006. But, don't blame the new president for the ranking. Really, it's on us.

                The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), is a United Kingdom-based firm that produces the annual index and is regarded as the world leader in global business intelligence. The firm grades governments on a scale of 1 to 10.  A nation needs to score above an eight to be considered a full democracy, which they define as one where basic political freedoms and civil liberties are respected, while the government maintains a system of checks and balances and an independent judicial system.

                They also use many other factors like freedom of the media, fairness of elections, voter turnout and freedom to protest. We fell from an 8.05 in 2015 to 7.98 in 2016.  In the report, the EIU wrote that "Americans' growing distrust in their government, elected officials and the media prompted the demotion."

                We are experiencing that on all levels of government right now, including in our own backyards. Here at home, the level of distrust has brought residents to the forefront of a controversy over whether or not to build a new middle school and whether the Upper Perk Police District should become separate East Greenville and Pennsburg police departments.

                In the middle school discussion, there are wide discrepancies over the cost to taxpayers of a new building.  Officials can approve the project over the protests of people, but it's important that they don't approve the project over the unanswered questions of the people.  Distrust over the project already exists and that action would only increase that level of distrust. 

                Officials need to answer the funding questions clearly and do their best to ensure that people understand the good and the bad – yes talk about the bad, as well.  Those seeking answers need to present their questions clearly and pointedly – don't beat around the bush.  And, if your question hasn't been answered let officials know right then and there.  If you don't understand the answer, say so.  Don't be ashamed and don't let anyone shame you because you asked for clarity.

                In the Upper Perk Police matter, how can you be sworn to a "secrecy agreement about the mediation sessions" if the mediation sessions haven't even started? When asked how the mediation is going the honest answer is, "The mediation meetings haven't started yet." 

                Remember when your mother told you: "If you can't say anything nice about someone, don't say anything at all."  Today, people have no trouble spending taxpayer's money for lawyers to tell them something their mother taught them years ago. Speaking of lawyers, when will taxpayers get tired of paying for three attorneys to attend each Police Commission meeting?

                The problem goes much deeper than financial differences – that's no secret!  If the commission problems consist of personality conflicts, jealousy and managing philosophy differences, say so and find a way to work through the issues and with each other. You shouldn't preach police unity in the community if you can't (or won't) find a way to make the current police union work.

                By the way, North Korea came in last with a score of 1.08; Norway came in first with a score of 9.93.