Calling Obama on his promise push Congress to be transparent:
The C-SPAN television network is calling on congressional leaders to open health care talks to cameras — something President Barack Obama promised as a candidate.
Instead the most critical negotiations on Obama’s health plan have taken place behind closed doors, as Republicans repeatedly point out. In a Dec. 30 letter to House and Senate leaders released Tuesday, C-SPAN chief executive Brian Lamb asked for negotiations on a compromise bill to be opened up for public viewing, as Democrats work to reconcile differences between legislation passed by the two chambers.
It is going to happen? No. Should it? Absolutely. I’d rather see the ugly truths – that really aren’t going anywhere – in the open. I’m probably in the minority, though.
Warren
On this issue, the majority of the people agree with you, I’m sure. POLITICIANS, however, know what’s best for us. So we don’t need to worry our pretty little heads with such matters. Congress will take care of everything.
MB
I’m not so sure about that. I think most people really don’t want to know (or care) about the machinations of political governance. There’s a massive amount of information available now that contributes to transparency, but when’s the last time you heard someone say “So I was looking through Richmond Sunlight the other day . . .”. The only thing people seem to be really interested in is the out-of-context soundbite for the next attack ad.
Warren
I think the majority of people want the process to be open, even if they do not personally want to watch it.
MB
I think they like the idea of saying that, but that’s about it.
Amit
I like the idea of it being open so the few wonks that are willing to watch it do and then provide me with highlights that the MSM doesn’t.