In a representational Republic such as the United States was founded to be, it is imperative that the general population has at least some idea what their Representatives are proposing in the legislature.
Bringing 1000+ page bills up for a vote before even the representatives, much less their constituents, have a chance to study them should never be the order of the day.
Yet, Congress is fighting even the least opportunity to give those affected by upcoming legislation to even have a chance to read the proposals before they may be enacted into law.
Reps. Brian Baird, D-Wash., and Greg Walden, R-Ore., are circulating a petition among House lawmakers that would force all pending legislation be posted on the internet at least 72-hours before a vote on the legislation could take place.
I believe that this should be the bare minimum.
We are SUPPOSED to be a participatory form of government, but such participation is impossible if the contents of proposed legislation is unavailable prior to a vote; thus giving over great power to those in positions of leadership in both the House and the Senate.
This is not a political Party issue, at least it shouldn't be, unless those in the current majority Party don't want input from the minority Party or their constituents.... if that is the case, then I fear that we have taken one long step away from being a Republic and heading towards a tyrannical form of government our Founders would certainly not recognize.
Resident Obama ran on the statement that his would be "the most open Administration ever", it's time for him to back that statement up with action.
72 hours of reflection is not too much to ask when it is the life of every being in this country that will be affected.
It behooves all Patriots to take heed of what is going on, for the day may be coming sooner that we would like to believe to have to use the reset button of the Second. Amendment.
Posted by Delftsman3 at October 8, 2009 04:33 PM | TrackBack