Does The Capitol Have A Carpenter?

There have many reports the past few days about the closed door meetings on Capitol Hill on health care and other issues - and who has been allowed and who hasn't. The most troubling aspect of this is that we - the public - have been excluded.

We're not talking national security or defense issues here. We're talking excessive spending, taxation, and unrelenting regulation. Any of those discussions we have a vested interest in and should have a seat at the table - if only by listening or seeing who else was at the table.

Here's my proposal: (1) remove all doors to committee rooms where taxation, regulation, and normal legistlative discussions occur, or (2) put big clear glass panels on all such doors and remove the locks so that we can see who is at the table.

Enough of the "behind-closed-door-deals" that are the trademark of Congress. We've had it.

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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.

Comments

Steve, Do you ever have the feeling congress doesn't trust us?
Your friend in Washington State,
Paul

Posted by Paul Henderson, Broker, Realtor® Tacoma,Gig Harbor,DuPont,HartstenePointe (RE/MAX Professionals & Four Seasons Inc.) over 2 years ago

I agree, Steve...I completely agree. It would even be better if we could all tune in and watch the meetings on streaming video or even be able to access transcripts to read what's going on.

Leilani

Posted by Souza Realty/Roseville-Rocklin-Lincoln-Loomis-Granite Bay-CA over 2 years ago

Steve,

These stories about meeting rooms being locked are so bizarre...and disturbing.

Rich

Posted by Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate (Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.) over 2 years ago

Steve - I like the idea of removing all the doors. After all, isn't this process about "transparency?"

Posted by John Mulkey, Housing Guru (TheHousingGuru.com) over 2 years ago

These dems said they were going to bring a new transparency to DC.  We should have asked for a a clearly transparent definition!

Posted by Gary L Waters PLLC- Broker Associate Realtor® Melbourne Viera Rockledge FL (Century 21 Baytree Realty, 1211 Admiralty Blvd, Rockledge) over 2 years ago

Steve - as Clinton said "It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is." It now depends upon what the meaning of transparency is.

Posted by Mike Saunders (Lanier Partners) over 2 years ago

Paul,

It's more than that. They regard us as stupid and inconsequential. :)

Steve

Posted by Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer (Hoffacker Associates LLC) over 2 years ago

Leilani,

Thanks for your agreement. Like your suggestion, too. :)

Steve

Posted by Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer (Hoffacker Associates LLC) over 2 years ago

Isn't the politicians desire to hide their actions, a pretty clear indication of their disregard for the people they're supposed to represent?

Posted by Jon Budish - CDPE (Remax Action Brokers, CDPE - Northern Colorado) over 2 years ago

Steve

The window of transparency is fog over in Washington. Who do they represent? Do they have ethics?

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Posted by Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates) over 2 years ago

Rich,

And so in keeping with this elitist Congress we have. :)

Steve

Posted by Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer (Hoffacker Associates LLC) over 2 years ago

John,

Just trying to help along the transparnecy process. :)

Steve

Posted by Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer (Hoffacker Associates LLC) over 2 years ago

Gary,

Talk is very cheap - as we have seen. :)

Steve

Posted by Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer (Hoffacker Associates LLC) over 2 years ago

Mike,

Who would have thought it would come to this? :)

Steve

Posted by Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer (Hoffacker Associates LLC) over 2 years ago

Jon,

Quite well said. Clearly (as in transparent) they are only interested in themselves. :)

Steve

Posted by Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer (Hoffacker Associates LLC) over 2 years ago

Lou,

Just watch them play their little games at our expense. :)

Steve

Posted by Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer (Hoffacker Associates LLC) over 2 years ago

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