I'm sure that there are some Representatives of Congress out there may keep an online journal, but I'd like to see someone take the issue a few steps further. The rooms may not be "smoked filled" anymore but the "behind closed doors" mentality still exists. Too many politicians, in too many different parts of the country, say the same thing and use the same words, the day after a high profile issue brings controversy.
I would like to see this "someone" announce their candidacy something like this; "If elected, I intend to publish a daily online journal of my time in Congress. I'm sure that the first days after the votes are counted will be filled with phone calls of instruction on moving into an office, protocols, privileges, duties and so forth. All conversations will be summarized in the journal.
After taking my seat, I will have to learn my craft. Certainly, I will be instructed as to the responsibilities of a new member of Congress, to my constituents, to the country and to our party. I want to be up front from the beginning to all of my future peers. Everything that I learn on the workings of Congress will be published. Issues will be summarized for the readers perusal. All perks that come with the position will be displayed for public scrutiny.
If I am offered a "political junket," I will turn it down and announce it. Information on the "politics" of life in the house will be shared. If I should see unethical practices, others will see them also. If I make a mistake, it will be highlighted. I will go out of my way to be fair. This journal will take no part in gossip, and any difficult conversations that I may have with my elders will be run by my staff first, to insure that I am not seeking personal benefit.
I will not relay discussions that might be considered "side bar," unless they sidestep ethics or blatantly condescend to the public. The purpose of this online journal is threefold. First, I have cast my moorings around honesty and the desire to serve, and I will face this journal, or the failure to keep my word, every day. Second, the public has a right to know our daily workload and the practices of governing that we employ, especially in this age of distrust. Third, hopefully it will be instruction to students and may be encouragement to those of any age that may want to seek public office. This task that I have taken upon myself may indeed ensure a "one-term" period of service. So be it. It may keep me from committee appointments, appointments that may even have helped my constituents. This is regrettable but hopefully what they and others read here, and a Congress that deals with it, may prove beneficial, in the long run, to political life in America."
I would like to see this "someone" announce their candidacy something like this; "If elected, I intend to publish a daily online journal of my time in Congress. I'm sure that the first days after the votes are counted will be filled with phone calls of instruction on moving into an office, protocols, privileges, duties and so forth. All conversations will be summarized in the journal.
After taking my seat, I will have to learn my craft. Certainly, I will be instructed as to the responsibilities of a new member of Congress, to my constituents, to the country and to our party. I want to be up front from the beginning to all of my future peers. Everything that I learn on the workings of Congress will be published. Issues will be summarized for the readers perusal. All perks that come with the position will be displayed for public scrutiny.
If I am offered a "political junket," I will turn it down and announce it. Information on the "politics" of life in the house will be shared. If I should see unethical practices, others will see them also. If I make a mistake, it will be highlighted. I will go out of my way to be fair. This journal will take no part in gossip, and any difficult conversations that I may have with my elders will be run by my staff first, to insure that I am not seeking personal benefit.
I will not relay discussions that might be considered "side bar," unless they sidestep ethics or blatantly condescend to the public. The purpose of this online journal is threefold. First, I have cast my moorings around honesty and the desire to serve, and I will face this journal, or the failure to keep my word, every day. Second, the public has a right to know our daily workload and the practices of governing that we employ, especially in this age of distrust. Third, hopefully it will be instruction to students and may be encouragement to those of any age that may want to seek public office. This task that I have taken upon myself may indeed ensure a "one-term" period of service. So be it. It may keep me from committee appointments, appointments that may even have helped my constituents. This is regrettable but hopefully what they and others read here, and a Congress that deals with it, may prove beneficial, in the long run, to political life in America."
