Opinion: Does the Public Want Accountability?

President Bush recently admitted the existence of long rumored secret prisons at which terror suspects were being detained.

Congressional leaders apparently were aware for years that a sexual predator within their midst was preying on pages - enough to share warnings about his actions - and yet did nothing to stop him.

Business has experience listening to its customers. It is a fundamental principle of capitalism. That is why, as more stakeholders become concerned about sustainability issues (like global warming) strategic businesses have identified their stakeholders (those who are integral to their success) and responded with to their concerns with increased transparency about their impacts and their programs to reduce them.

Do American government officials need to apply the lessons from corporate America? That means listening to stakeholders that matter - the voters. This November, depending on the outcome of the election, government may recieve either a wake-up call or a validation of 'business as usual.'

The result will say a lot about America - and Americans - and the level of accountability we want from our leaders.