C-SPAN to Obama – Follow Thru with your Promise

C-SPAN, in an unusual move, today sent a letter to President Obama asking him to allow the network to cover all hearing and meetings related to the reconciliation of the health care bill.

During the campaign, then-Senator Obama criticized the workings of Washington politics and pledged to make our government more open and transparent.  Rep. Pelosi and Sen. Reid were behind him.  Since then, a number of behind-closed-door meetings have occurred with Rep. Pelosi and Sen. Reid regarding health care.  More are occurring as we speak.

C-SPAN’s point – you said you’d make this change, now make it.

Brian Lamb, CEO of C-SPAN said this in the letter:

"President Obama, Senate and House leaders, many of your rank-and-file members, and the nation's editorial pages have all talked about the value of transparent discussions on reforming the nation's health care system....  Now that the process moves to the critical stage of reconciliation between the chambers, we respectfully request that you allow the public full access, through television, to legislation that will affect the lives of every single American."

Personally, I like CSPAN’s approach.  The time has come to hold politicians to their promises.  The days of saying what it takes to get elected, only to then do what it takes to get re-elected need to end.  Both parties are at fault and we are all paying for it.