Sunlight and the Super Committee
Claire Berlinski, Ed. ·
Nov 15, 2011 at 12:13am
There is no reason--none, not one--that the Super Committee should be operating in secrecy. That's not the Politburo. That's not even the House Intelligence Committee. The words "We need secrecy so we can be open and honest with each other" should prompt precisely the contempt and suspicion they're prompting. If you can't govern out in the open, you're not fit to govern Americans.
As for the rumors that the Super Committee can't make a deal, I have a suggestion: Let's hang them in a fortnight if they don't. That should concentrate their minds wonderfully.
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Jan '11
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
Aren't they more akin to the Central Auditing Commission?
Dec '10
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
I say we just hang them all in a fortnight, whether they've agreed to something (probably idiotic) or not.
Then we can all have a nice Christmas and New Year's, with new elections to follow sometime early next year.
I'd wager that month or so without any politicians will be the best and most peaceful stretch in our lifetimes.
Mar '11
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
There's a downside to this, at least I think there might be. Since I'll have two weeks to come up with it, proceed anyway and I'll let you know if I come up with anything.
Maybe I'll form a committee...
May '11
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
Claire Berlinski, Ed.:
As for the rumors that the Super Committee can't make a deal, I have a suggestion: Let's hang them in a fortnight if they don't. That should concentrate their minds wonderfully. ·
Brings a whole new meaning to "get a life!"
Why stop with the Super Committee? They are just doing what their leadership demands. Let's promise the same fate to the entire Congress. They are all in it together.
Mar '11
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
The Supers have a compelling reason to negotiate in secret...it ensures the success of their stock trades.
Jun '10
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
Water-boarding is highly effective and less lethal. Less work for the janitorial staff, too.
Feb '11
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
While were at it, how about hanging some deserving judges. I would suggests starting with the judge who just issued a restraining order allowing the OWS refuse back into Zuccotti Park.
Edited on Nov 15, 2011 at 6:46amMar '11
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
While I understand the sentiment, I do feel compelled to point out at least one strong precedent for secrecy while negotiating on purely political matters - the Constitutional convention.
Oct '11
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
Go Claire, but don't forget about "ole sparky" ...it would light up any committee.
Apr '11
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
I'm not sure where I stand on it. I do think that they're more likely to be productive and useful if they're able to focus on the work rather than entirely on showboating. Our side includes the utterly brilliant Portman, and I'm hoping he can pull something out of a hat. This seems more likely if people haven't been too clearly telegraphing their views at earlier stages, causing them to be locked in to those positions.
Jun '10
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
Czars and super committees are a sign of the failure of American government. Not the ideals of American democracy, but the failure of the people we hired to run our government to do their jobs. I'm all in favor of at least firing them, with prejudice, immediately and hiring someone who can get the job done properly. That's the American way.
May '10
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
That says so much, Claire. Would that every politician in DC would understand this.
May '10
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
Papal Conclave rules created by Pope Gregory X for ensuring a decision:
"Cardinals were to be secluded in a closed area and were not even accorded separate rooms. No cardinal was allowed, unless ill, to be attended by more than one servant. Food was to be supplied through a window; after three days of the meeting, the cardinals were to receive only one dish a day; after five days, they were to receive just bread and water. During the conclave, no cardinal was to receive any ecclesiastical revenue."
Denying the ridiculous number of congressional aids, reductions in accommodation, and food, together with no payment of congressional salaries nor allowances, might be useful in focusing on a quick resolution of deadlock.
Dec '10
Re: Sunlight and the Super Committee
How absolutely true, Claire. We are subject to the endless accusations by the left. They make the most rediculous claims for their virtue and then we see the reality. Those that don't really understand freedom always make an artform out of deceiving everyone into believing in their good intentions.
Obama and company are busy stealing anything not nailed down. In fact I think somebody saw them passing out claw hammers so they could pry up the nailed down. Look out Paul Ryan and look out Eric Cantor. Here they go again.