No one should doubt that Seattle's self-examination of the World Trade Organization fiasco, for now at least, has constraints of leadership, schedule and focus. Members of the City Council put themselves in charge, arguing that that sort of work goes with their job. By setting a low budget and relatively tight schedule, the council has made a meaningful result more difficult.
Obstructionists can slow requests for information as the clock runs down or make partial disclosure.
The third group, which includes the respected Tim Burgess, a former police officer and head of the city ethics commission, has the most sensitive task. Officials within the department can best evaluate why officers on the streets went without adequate reinforcements, food and rest. Some police conduct was justified as a response to threats to the East Precinct and a gas station. The citizens involved in this review are encouraged to ask tough questions, insist on adequate time to get answers, and go beyond mere fact finding to make an informed assessment. They should holler if anyone tries to steer their work or make them pull punches.