Post by Drychnath on Nov 4, 2005 13:16:00 GMT -5
I was watching CSPAN show a House of Representatives meeting last night after finishing American Psycho. It caught my eye because the individual speaking at the time was fairly good, in terms of presentation. He was talking about American indebtedness to foreign countries (something I consider a worthy topic) and quoted statistics of the Treasury Department to the effect that the first 42 presidents borrowed a combined 1 trillion from foreign sources. Bush has borrowed as of 2004 1.05 trillion. He brought out a posterboard (that was very nice and flashy) demonstrating this face (with pictures of all the presidents and a two part bar graph). Two things immediately caught my eye - one, his presentational style was the same as people who are speaking to an uneducated and only partially interested audience. The second thing was the pointless visual aid.
But, I thought, at least it might get some good debate going, and my hopes soared when I heard a female voice ask if the Congressman would yield for a question.
My hopes fell when it shifted to another representative, from the same state (Florida) and the same party (Democrat). I also began to notice how empty the room was. And how there was no debate going on.
After two more persons spoke (Representatives from Arizona and Nevada, I think, both Democrats) my ire rose as I realized there were all of 5 or 6 people in the room. They were doing a marvelous job, telling one another things they already know, with compelling visual aids, and informing one another how proud they are of one another that they each are fighting for the American people, and how well they speak for their constituents, etc.
Watched for ten minutes. They covered Bush's budget cuts to student loan programs and Medicaid, tax cuts for the rich, the decision process involved in going to war in Iraq, etc. All important hotbutton issues. All receiving no opposition from the four other party members in the room. Our minority party is feeling so pathetically disenfranchised that they are having feel-good meetings in the Halls of Congress. Couldn't they do this stuff in a lunch meeting? They could even ring glasses and present their positions during toasts. Everyone could stand and everything. And what the fuck are they doing with all those visual aids? How much of my money do they spend on that stuff to present to people who already agree every year? Why aren't you presenting it to members of the opposite party, jackass! Someone you need to cooperate with, and convince that your position has merit!
And this isn't just a criticism of Democrats, I've seen Republicans pull this horseshit too. I don't suppose it would be too radical for them to do something constructive like...I dunno...debate laws with the opposition, write laws, vote on laws, etc. You know, just as members of the legislature.
I hate Congress.
But, I thought, at least it might get some good debate going, and my hopes soared when I heard a female voice ask if the Congressman would yield for a question.
My hopes fell when it shifted to another representative, from the same state (Florida) and the same party (Democrat). I also began to notice how empty the room was. And how there was no debate going on.
After two more persons spoke (Representatives from Arizona and Nevada, I think, both Democrats) my ire rose as I realized there were all of 5 or 6 people in the room. They were doing a marvelous job, telling one another things they already know, with compelling visual aids, and informing one another how proud they are of one another that they each are fighting for the American people, and how well they speak for their constituents, etc.
Watched for ten minutes. They covered Bush's budget cuts to student loan programs and Medicaid, tax cuts for the rich, the decision process involved in going to war in Iraq, etc. All important hotbutton issues. All receiving no opposition from the four other party members in the room. Our minority party is feeling so pathetically disenfranchised that they are having feel-good meetings in the Halls of Congress. Couldn't they do this stuff in a lunch meeting? They could even ring glasses and present their positions during toasts. Everyone could stand and everything. And what the fuck are they doing with all those visual aids? How much of my money do they spend on that stuff to present to people who already agree every year? Why aren't you presenting it to members of the opposite party, jackass! Someone you need to cooperate with, and convince that your position has merit!
And this isn't just a criticism of Democrats, I've seen Republicans pull this horseshit too. I don't suppose it would be too radical for them to do something constructive like...I dunno...debate laws with the opposition, write laws, vote on laws, etc. You know, just as members of the legislature.
I hate Congress.
