A Times Editorial  Citizen power starts with knowledge  James
Madison succinctly described the importance of an informed
electorate: "Knowledge will forever govern ignorance. And a
people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves
with the power which knowledge gives." This is also a call for
government transparency, as only voters informed in how their
government works can effectively use the ballot box as a check
against abuse of power. Today is the start of Sunshine Week, an
annual reminder that holding government accountable can only
happen when the people have a front-row seat.  The protections
of open government redound to the people, something that every
Floridian should remember. It is in the dark shadows where
government does its mischief, giving lucrative contracts to
friends, or abusing police powers to silence critics. Florida's
strong public records and open meetings laws are a bulwark
against such abuses. But even with a state Constitution that
tells government at every level do its