Is it true?
To the editor:
It has been reported that members of the United States Congress are signing off on legislation without reading the bills. It also has been reported that members of Congress have been asked to sign a pledge swearing that they would not sign legislation without first reading it and understanding every aspect.
The reports further state that the reaction to the pledge signing has been met by some signing, some refusing to sign and some laughing at the suggestion.
The approval rating for our Washington representation stands today at the lowest point in American history. The law makers are disrespectful, frowned on and held in absolute contempt.
What was once an honorable service is now seen to be one of distrust and disgrace. Having underlings read the legislation and then have it signed by the representative is not what we’re paying for or expecting from our elected individual. And, frankly, I can’t think of anything more important than the signor reading the proposed legislation and understanding it entirely…before signing or voting.
This procedure is the fundamental nature of doing the job we expect of every Congress person. And, anyone that refuses to sign the pledge should not be paid, impeached and immediately removed from public office. Violating the public trust is exactly what has driven the Congressional ratings to these shameful levels and those that believe that the job is nothing more than useless meetings and constant babble need to seek employment elsewhere. This is not the time for child play in the United States Congress. And, a list should be published naming all those that are dishonorable to the point where they expect to be paid without doing their jobs.
Dick Kalfus
Cape Coral