  The importance of the Decadal Survey in astrophysics is great; it deserves
attention and revision. We make recommendations to increase the Survey's
transparency and political legitimacy. The Astro2020 charge asks the Survey to
"generate consensus recommendations". It is healthy to re-evaluate how to
achieve consensus as the community and context evolve. Our recommendations are
the following: (R1) Appoint the Decadal panel chairs and panel members through
a transparent process, or even a democratic process. (R2) Don't make panel
members sign any kinds of non-disclosure agreements, or strictly limit these.
(R3) Educate the community about the Decadal's decision-making and
consensus-building. (R4) Provide written documentation about how white papers
will be read and used. (R5) Give the community an opportunity to comment on and
vote to approve the final reports. (R6) Ask the AAAC to help the agencies make
these changes.
