For your consideration

[mpallamary]

Over the years, I have observed and participated in a number of political skirmishes. They are always enlightening and if one listens closely, you hear the same voices, the same sounds, and you see the same desperate faces. In order to fully appreciate the world of politics, one must be a fan of transparency - it frightens most politicians. One of my favorite sentiments is found at http://www.opensecrets.org/. “Since real accountability requires transparency, we strongly support and will urge passage of legislation and rules that will make it easier for Americans to stay informed about what their elected officials are doing, and why.â€￾

That sentiment applies in the spirited debates that have populated our quaint little forum. To be sure, few would quarrel that most of us are motivated by our desire to do good and to benefit our fellow man and woman. We tend to adhere to ethical acts and we thrive on positive actions.

In the world of politics and as an unforgiving catalyst for one’s actions, the primary motivator for those with the most to gain and lose is money. It is not fear or hunger, or anything as banal as life or death - it is money.

[land butcher]

I like the adage "If you want to find out who is doing what and why - follow the money."

Just getting local city councils to suspend closed door meetings has been fought tooth and nail. The last thing politicians want is the public to know the truth of how gov operates.