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Attended the Wisconsin Newspaper Association annual convention this past week at and came away enlightened about the future of the newspaper industry. For a few moments the past few tough years were set farther back in my memory. According to the presenters the future of print media or a combination print and web is good.

The one session that created some higher charged emotion was one on open meetings and openness in government.

The attorney who lobbies for the WNA told stories of how bills have been introduced at the start of the day and by the end of the day they become law. All this without the benefit of public input or public testimony.

While this is not wrong in the eyes of lawmaking it is morally wrong when it comes to engaging the public who will be affected by what the bill is all about.

The speed of technology has also accelerated the speed of legislation. That may not be bad but it isn't good either when it takes away the chance for the public to speak their views.

It is our hope that the legislators slow down a little bit when it comes to passing a bill and make sure the people who put them in office have their chance to speak.