"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."
That's from Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address back in 1863.
Is that what is going on in Washington these days?
Government by the people and for the people?
We think not…
To kick of 20-10, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told "the people" that The House and Senate were planning to put together the final Health Care Reform bill behind closed doors.
Behind closed doors?
Behind closed doors!
What?
During his Presidential campaign, Obama regularly promised transparency in the debate:
OBAMA "I'm going to televise the negotiations. I'm going to put it on C-Span."
Sounds like that promise isn't being honored.
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs keeps stressing how "the President wants to get a bill on his desk as quickly as possible ".
What's the rush?
What's the real agenda?
Shouldn't something as important as overhauling healthcare be given thoughtful and careful consideration?
Closed door meetings are not "of the people, by the people, for the people".
They are the actions of pure politics.
They are surely NOT what our founding fathers -- nor Abraham Lincoln -- had in mind.
Are you angry, confused, and insulted at the lack of transparency our government is demonstrating with this process? We think you should be.
E-mail us at speakout@wbtv.com, tell us what you think.
WE will forward your thoughts to our representatives in Washington.
