Ethics are important if you're a Realtor. They're important in business and in relationships. They're not all that important in Congress. Ask Charlie Rangel - do whatever you want, trample all over the ethics (whatever they are since the public is not allowed to know what they are) and get scolded. Big deal.
Do you know what the ethics are for House Members? Of course not - because they are not published. They are referenced as an appendix in the House rules. They are not available to the public but appear to be pages and pages - not a simple list of 10-15 items.
My suggestion is to refine them into a simple one-page list and publish it on the Congressional website. Let us know what Congressmen and women are allowed and expected to do. Then we can hold them accountable since they don't police themselves very well.
Speaker-elect John Boehner said that "The American people have every right to expect the highest standards of ethical conduct from their elected leaders, and it is important for members of both the majority and the minority to work together to ensure that such standards are observed and respected at all times within the institution."
He has appointed the ranking member of the ethics committee in the 111th Congress, Jo Bonner from Alabama, to lead the committee in the 112th.
We'll have to see if they can deliver or if it will be a continuation of window dressing. A great start would be to scrap all of the vergahge and adopt my suggestion.
───
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. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
© Steve Hoffacker, 2010. All Rights Reserved.
We can all hope John brings some respect back to the congress
Steve, the last speaker of the house made lots of promises she did not keep. It can only get better from here!
Time will tell, but I think the peoplke ar fed up enough that these clowns better shape up or they will be gone!
Scott,
That would such a great change. :)
Steve
Mike,
She was a total embarrassment. :)
Steve
William,
Must be a lot of voters who like clowns because they keep getting elected. :)
Steve
Since they like to wander around calling each other "The Honorable" this or "My Esteemed Colleague" that, they should live up to it...
Lane,
"Should" vs "will" may be miles apart. :)
Steve
Steve - they all promise this at the beginning but then forget about and resort to situational ethics. I am hoping that Boehner will work it a little differently to our benefit.
Mike,
We're all counting on that. :)
Steve