It is widely known how Americans trust in Congress has been
on the decline over the years. It seems that our country is getting more and
more polarized in terms of political views, and I believe a large part of this
has to do with how much transparency there is. While I do think that we should
be holding our politicians accountable for their actions, I also believe that
there should be less transparency. I am mainly referring the C-Span coverage
when congress is in session. Before conducting a vote in congress, the
representatives first debate the issue in the Capitol. I believe that all media
should be off limits when these debates are occurring.
We live in a technological world where a single message can
reach millions of people in a matter of seconds. Thus being said, politicians
now have to watch what they say more than ever. When these debates are
occurring in congress, I believe that the representatives aren’t saying exactly
what they want to on account of the fact that they are too worried to upset constituents.
Maybe this is why the two parties can’t seem to reach agreements on issues. I
believe that shutting off the media in these meetings would result in the
politicians speaking more freely, and I also believe this would result in
better results and less polarization. I do, however, believe that every vote
should continue to be published and every bill readily available to any citizen
that would like to read it.
This article illustrates my point that the media causes even
more polarization http://thehill.com/opinion/columnists/james-carville/328731-polarization-in-media-worsens-partisanship
. Both the republicans and democrats are creating such a strong divide in this
country that we are almost at the point of no return. Party views are so strong
that our country will continue to have a harder time reaching agreements on any
issue. Although my proposal calls for less transparency during the debates in
the Capitol, every constituent will still be able to see exactly how their
representative voted, and will also be able to see what exactly is written in
each bill.
As I already mentioned, the politicians today have to watch
their every move because of the speed in which news gets reported. While
raising taxes may be a good move (hypothetical situation), a congressman may
not offer that proposal because he/she is worried that their constituents will
see them make this suggestion. By getting the media out of these discussions,
the politicians will be able to speak more openly, which could potentially lead
to more agreements and compromises from the two big parties.
I had never really considered this view, but I think its great! After reading your post I would have to agree with you that it may be a good thing to make government slightly less transparent. In today's world, the media has made us feel that we need to know everything about everything at all times. However, sometimes ignorance can be bliss. I don't mean ignorance in the sense that we should not follow what is going on and stay informed. I simply mean it in the same way you use the terminology lack of transparency. Maybe it is a good idea to have congressional discussion out of the public's view. While this view may initially come with much resistance, I feel that if it was enacted much of the public would be happy with its effect.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very intriguing post. The thought of less transparency in the government is almost considered an abomination. When you really break the media down, what does it consist of? Politics. I agree with Caitlin in the fact that media has made us feel that, "we need to know everything about everything at all times." With that being said, many might not fully like the fact media wouldn't cover debates and meetings in Congress. I honestly think this could be a genius idea. I firmly believe that we are rapidly growing apart because of strong opposing views the media has put standards on. Neither party can come to an agreement on anything, hence the government shutdown. This is all the media talks about, so of course there is more stress put on the entire situation. The idea of less transparency should be brought to the light.
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