"We as an organization need to be more concerned about getting lied to as a matter of course -- and the American public getting lied to, through us -- than about access."

***

I've been a journalist for 33 years. I've covered government at the city, county, state and federal levels, as well as state and federal courts, and NASA and the military space programs.

In all that time, I have never encountered a public official, a candidate for office, a bureaucrat, a defense lawyer or, frankly, a criminal who is as regularly and aggressively dishonest as the current president of the United States -- and that includes my dozen years covering the Florida Legislature.

The president is elected by the voters, and will answer to them. His staff, however, are public servants of the people of the United States. We have every right to expect accurate information from people who work for all of us, and to expect it on a timely basis.

***

These are extraordinary times. The U.S. Constitution does not mention farmers or bakers or blacksmiths or dentists. It does, though, carve out a specific freedom for us.

With that privilege comes a special responsibility, particularly, I would argue, in times like now.

***

I am running for the board and for president, and I hope you will consider voting for me.

Thank you.

Shirish Dáte

svdate@svdate.com