by Matt Marquardt –
It is “Sunshine Week” in Washington D.C. The Federal Government is celebrating the Freedom of Information Act and transparency.
Senator Charles Grassley, who claims to be a champion of open government, wrote a moving piece this week criticizing President Obama and the executive branch for what he calls their lack of transparency. “His proclamations about open government and transparency — are merely words, which can be ignored,” Grassley wrote.
How ironic that Grassley himself is trapped in the dark ages of open government.
Grassley proved that last week when he told a Globe feature reporter that if you want to meet him, you better come to Washington. “There’s no substitute for talking with us face to face,” in the nation’s capitol, he said.
Grassley alluded that a local meeting would be disorganized and nothing would be accomplished. Apparently he feels that in Washington, real work gets done, but back home in Iowa, visiting with citizens and local leaders is pointless and a waste of time.
“We don’t have to sit there and try to sort everything out,” the Senator explained.
Sorry to waste your time, Your Highness.
As poorly as Washington has been run during his 32 years there, it is fairly insulting that he feels his constituents are even more disorganized than his notorious workplace is.
The real kicker came when the Globe reporter dropped this bomb: “Grassley said that kind of working relationship can’t be done in an email or telephone call or when senators come home to hold town meetings and attend events.”
Senator Grassley, your ill-advised Globe interview has exposed your true thoughts on transparency. In your mind, Iowans have to come to Washington to have an audience of any significance with you. You say no work can be accomplished here in Iowa. It is tragic that you feel this way.
Senator, your mind is clouded and your judgement impaired from 30-plus years on the job. It is apparent that you have spent too much time with hotshot interns and slick-talking lobbyists. You have forgotten who the people you serve are.
If it’s not too much trouble, Senator, next time you are in Iowa please open the blinds and let some Iowa sunshine in.
