The February 4 Maryland General Assembly Hearings conducted by the Ways & Means Committee was an incredible performance of utter rudeness and arrogance. Although not surprised, at least twenty of us, both unacquainted rookie- and veteran-attendees, were unanimously dumbfounded by it. Needless to say, Chairwoman Sheila Hixson's leadership was embarrassingly lacking.
We went to listen, learn and/or testify on HB92 (Job Creation and Tax Credit Bill), and HB204 (Property Tax Assessment & Appeals Task Force). The only ones apparently worthy of any respect were the "professionals", i.e. paid lobbyists and government staffers. Otherwise, during citizenry testimonies, many elected officials were either: inattentive, interrogating, condescending, mentally and physically wandering, snickering, ridiculing, and even noticeably AND PUBLICLY preoccupied with Twitter (see proof from Montgomery County's Delegate Bill Frick on http://www.americansforprosperity.com/) and other laptop activities! Their message seemed to be “hurry up and shut up!”
The arrogance we witnessed in Annapolis is exactly why millions of citizens nationwide have had enough of the politicians in their local communities, state capitols, and Washington. November 2, 2010 and recent elections will be the euphoric culmination of our campaigning and voting these jokers out of office. Until then, any amount of help to end this citizen mockery will be a tremendous contribution in helping to take our country back.
Maureen Harper
Cambridge
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
There's a cure for this. Prohibit electronic devices in session.
ReplyDeleteLike we haven't seen the arrogant "you know nothing - we know it all" attitude in gov't from the bottom up. So much of it is people who have no connection with the people other than to ask for their support in elections. After that, they feel that they are the voices for those people.
ReplyDeleteIt just ain't so.
I have witnessed the same thing at these legislative hearings. It is a disgrace. You can bet I made note of who exhibits such shoddy and disrespectful behavior, both on the national, state, and local levels, meaning city and county councils.
ReplyDeleteThe tide is changing.
Shame on them! I wish you could provide the public with pics and/or names. I am pretty sure it is legal to put out the truth. Otherwise people who read this don't know specifically who had these actions 23 counties and Baltimore City are involved.
ReplyDeleteSome of their excuses would include multitasking; but the public DESERVES the only task in hearings to be listening to the public. Ill mannered behavior should be addressed with a letter naming names and situations to the Governor and whoever is responsible for hearing ethics requesting a response from them and copies of any letters they may have sent. Keep all copies for future posts/articles; regardless whether he takes any action or not. Document! Hold their feet to the FIRE. slf
November will be here before we know it. He who laughs last laughs best.
ReplyDeleteVote them all out, except for the Republicans, right?
ReplyDeleteMaureen thank you for observations of our arrogant politicians in Annapois.
ReplyDeleteI have witnessed some of the same behavior. The time is fast approaching when we the people must identify these "jokers" and send them on their way!
We should be able to identify decent, unpretentious and common sense men and women that will want to hold themselves up for office.