None of us can ever really know whats in a mans heart by what he says. Only through his actions and then, only after the fact will we know. Our politicians (employees) are very good at telling us whats in their hearts, but their actions betray them. Most of them have a long list of accomplishments that are supposed to help us predict their actions in the future. Does being a lawyer mean a person is honest? Do years of military service mean a person is forthcoming about their motives? Does being born into wealth mean a person knows what poor people need? How about a “good family man” knowing whats best for single mothers? None of these are disqualifying attributes, but they seem to be the only qualifiers we use to choose our employees. Our actions as a society speak for themselves as well. We habitually choose employees who work in secrecy. This can only take place if we allow it. We should begin to care less about what our employees say is in their hearts, and more about telling them what is in ours. These are my thoughts on what we should be telling them. Dear Candidate: Your employment will only be considered if you agree to the following conditions: You will work under the guidelines of a job description written by the constituency, not by your colleagues in elected office. Laws are written for the benefit society, and must be understood by that society. Legislation you write and introduce will be written in plain language and easily understood by the average population. Legislation will be introduced in the form of one bill, one issue, with no riders. If an issue cant stand on its own merit it will not be hidden in or attached to another bill. You will be subject to the laws you vote to enact. You will not introduce or vote in the affirmative for legislation that excludes any elected employee from its influence. You will maintain a website that chronicles your activity. Each bill will be posted along with how you voted, and an opinion piece explaining why you voted as you did, and verifying that you read and understood the bill. This will offer context and verifiable reference during your tenure and for each election cycle. After a reasonable viewing period these records will be archived and available for easy viewing indefinitely. End I consider this list a minimum to be agreed to by any candidate seeking public office, regardless of party or political affiliation. Unless and until we place our own requirements on the people we hire, we will only be given the choices made by a select few. These requirements will not tell us whats in a mans heart, but if followed will allow us to see his actions more clearly and offer at least some context with which to form rational opinions. There are no doubt other guidelines that could aid this process, but these are aimed at reducing the secrecy that is so pervasive in our government. If a candidate wont agree to these conditions, I dont want him or her.
Posted on: Sun, 03 Aug 2014 21:19:37 +0000
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