6 Jan 10: On the campaign trail, President Obama said that transparency would be the “touchstone” of his administration. As an example of this transparency, he said a number of times that the American people would be able to watch the health care reform process on C-SPAN. Instead, not only was the public shut out from the process, but so were the Republican legislators. Proposed bills thousands of pages long were published (sometimes in early morning darkness) and then a vote taken almost immediately, giving no time for review by the legislators or the public. In commenting today on health care reform, Speaker Pelosi said that “there has never been a more open process.” This is an example of “Pelosi-speak” and a far cry from reality. A moment later, she said “we will do whatever is necessary to get the bill passed.” And she has – even to the point of bypassing the democratic process.
Transparency is more than just a “talking point.” As your Representative in Congress, I will make transparency real in all of my actions on your behalf. You will know what I do and the reasons behind my actions. You will have direct access to me. I will listen to you. I understand that I will report to you.