by Effie Moore Salem

Created on: July 20, 2007   Last Updated: February 04, 2012

What a ridiculous notion to think that everyone that wants to should get permission to 'cover congress' should be allowed. Why? Is what going on in congress and in government in general that interesting? And even if it is, which it isn't (necessary but not particularly interesting)what good would it do to have a bunch of 'aliens' disrupt the normal proceedings of 'law making'.

Governing is a serious business and that is the reason we elect those who have a knack for the political arena sit in for us; and consequently, only those who are journalist should be there to report back to their respective bosses the goings on there. They are trained in their work and, frankly, few of us could do what they do.

For those who really do have the patience and the desire to see how the process of law making laws is carried out, watch C-span. Most everything is there. But frankly, I feel most of the citizenry, while wishing them luck, would, even if allowed through the door, would go to the trouble. A lot of us like to get our two-cents worth on Helium and blow off steam, but we can do it on our own time and it costs nothing. But go to the expense of getting there and listening in to endless debates and sometimes confusing and disagreeable rhetoric, no, thank you.

Yet after writing the above I am having second thoughts. Why not? I doubt if there will be a run on congress investigators who are out practicing their journalistic writing skills. If doing this is something they want to do and if they have a good reason for spending their time and efforts in this way I say it is a good idea. Of course they will have to be cleared by security. We cannot have just anyone milling around and asking all kinds of questions of the busy people that make our laws.

The idea would be an excellent idea for serious college students who are out to hone their skills at writing about current governmental issues and policies. This would give them first hand knowledge at what this important journalistic endeavor is all about. Of course, this is my personal opinion I will be the first to admit I am no authority. I am just thinking out loud, or answering the question the topic asked. Another good reason to believe that the more you know about what you write about the better the article will be, is certainly true of anyone wishing to 'cover congress'. How could you expect to ask intelligent questions if you have no idea how congress and our democratic system works?

On second thoughts perhaps allowing interested bloggers and citizen journalists to sit in on congressional settings by getting special privilge might be a good thing. It would show them the dedication and patience our congressional representatives must have in order to sit through these boring sessions hour after hour. If they did so with gusto and with dedicated purposes in mind, they might have started on a new career,if not, then they've learned to leave well enough alone. For that experience they will henceforth be more understanding of their lawmakers and their representatives and will be more supportive and less critical.

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