The idea of an online, searchable database ("Google Government") is catching on. The Georgia Public Policy Foundation notes that one proposal to construct such a service in the Peachtree state is advancing through the legislature.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs comments on a similar measure, which will lead to the site www.okopenbook.gov. What a good name. Government spending should be an open book.

Given the fact that many voters are happy to see legislators spend other people's money, such databases have only limited utility. But they are a good measure in and of themselves. The threat of disclosure may also fend off some of the most outrageous cases of special-interesting spending.

Let the sunshine in!