Would we sign a sales contract that the customer - or their attorney or Realtor - prepared without reading it? Would we expect them to sign something we prepared without reading it - or at least having us go through it line-by-line and explain it to them? Of course not on both counts.
Why then do we continue to condone and turn a deaf ear to our Members of Congress when they say they can't or won't read a bill before voting on it? It doesn't stop them from voting - just from knowing what is in the bills that they vote on. Some rely on the input of their staff - but we didn't elect their staff and they aren't accountable to us.
If we can demand that we read a contract before signing it - and that our customers do the same, why don't we demand that Members of Congress read a bill before voting on it? The principle is the same.
We can differ with how they vote on a bill, but we must demand that they have read every word in the bill and be able to justify why they do or do not support a piece of legislation - citing speciifc examples from the text of the bill. Otherwise, they should be denied the right to vote on a bill.
We are letting Members of Congress shirk the key duty that they have - representing us. Representing does not mean voting - anyone can push a button. Representing means being knowledgabele about what is coming up for consideration and being able to develop an informed opinion on it - by being intimately familiar with the text of the bills - and not just voting as they are told to by leadership.
For those legislattors who claim that they don't have time to read the bills, maybe we can arrange an extended vacation for them at the next election.
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
© Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.
BRAVO!!
Cindy Cranston-RE/MAX Vista-San Antonio, TX
www.GoSeeCindy.com
This has been stated lately on many posts but not nearly as well said. The comparison to our own obligations is very well taken. It is hard to believe, but some members of Congress have admitted that they have not read the bill before voting like sheep. I did not elect a sheep, you moron's. Thank you, I feel much better now! ; )
[maybe we can arrange an extended vacation for them at the next election.]
INDEED WE WILL.
Steve, I am with you 100% on this...so much for members of Congress making an informed decision based on facts...it's totally irresponsible!
Cindy,
Thank you for your enthusiastic support and agreement. :)
Steve
Steve - We use form sales contracts in the St. Louis area. If you think that customers read the terms, I think that you are largely mistaken (at least in my area). They read the sales pricing and financing contingency only. The average purchaser relies on the professionals to describe the document and point out potential risks. Some real estate professionals are better than others in achieving this feat. For example, the local board has opposed arbitration clauses in the form contract. There may be valid reasons for preferring litigation over arbitration. However, most consumers when asked would probably prefer the expedited and lower costs nature of arbitration. However, it isn't really an option because the standard form sales contract omits this provision. Just as lobbyists and staffers set the terms for the bills; real estate professionals direct the standardized terms of the sale.
David,
The "I'm-too-important-and-too-busy-to-read-this-so-cut-me-some-slack" defense is just lame, and now more and more people are recognizing it for what it is. :)
Steve
Candice,
Thank you for that response. My hope is that many of them are sent fishing next November. :)
Steve
Wanda,
Thank you. For too long Congress has thought we were too stupid to notice their little tricks. :)
Steve
Ryan,
I have always summarized each paragraph for my customers and read much of the language to them. If the contract is so one-sided that we can't have the customers figuring it out until after they have signed it, it's a little like what Congress is doing to us. :)
Steve
Hi Steve, Bully for you.
I agree with the comment above made by Candice... Ha.
Patricia Aulson/portsmouth nh
Patricia,
Thanks. I think we can begin to make a difference and get some of these lifers to give it up. :)
Steve
It is their job to read the bill they are passing. If they don't read it ... who wrote it? Some student behind the scenes? What about the elected officials. This is a farce. Good for you for saying it like it is.
Excellent point. I like the way you think.
Jim,
Thank you. I appreciate your support and agreement. There are many in Congress that are just too important to do what they were elected to do. :)
Steve
Judi,
Thank you for saying so. There are a lot of us who thin this way and only a few of them in office. We need to demand more of them - or they will continue to do as they please. :)
Steve