and why you might not want to
Ohio Channel which is linked above, is a fantastic feature in many ways. It gives us a chance to watch not only live but also has video archives of legislation in action (or inaction) on the floor of the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate.
Even if you are not a political junkie like me, watching this even infrequently and letting your elected represenative know you are watching is important.
However, there are some downsides to watching these sessions. You'll notice that the media and the political parties at times report on something being "heated" or create an impression that a member was treated unfairly which does not always appear that way when the full context of the event is looked at rather than just a selected statement here or there. Granted sometimes it is correct but most times I've discovered the best way to sum up some of it is "much ado about nothing".
You'll also see how much time is wasted on partisan jabs rather than work, as well as at times seeing how much time is spent on resolutions that really don't have a huge impact on the lives of Ohioans. I'd never be able to be the President of the House or the Senate, I'd end up sending members of both political parties into some type of "time out" corner at times.
If you watch these you could view speeches where you feel inspired by members of both parties, while at the opposite moment at times you may shake your head wondering how that particular person was elected to represent us. Which of course leads to the most important reason why from time to time I encourage you to stop by and watch some of these online videos, so that you will have as much information as possible so that you have the tools to decide for yourself.
It's not easy to get information as to what our Ohio legislators are doing, anyone who has spent hours looking thru the daily journals to get more information on a vote or a bill knows that. Most times the media doesn't give you a bill number, which makes it even harder to search out where and when something you might be interested in was really acted on. It takes time to sit and watch the videos, or listen which is what I do most times. It is however worth it, especially if they know we are watching.
:-)
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10 comments:
I got a note from Planned Parenthood today with a notice about Ohio HB 228:
"House Bill 228, the most extreme abortion ban legislation in the country, will be on the agenda when the House Health Committee meets in a few weeks.
The hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 13. It will begin at 10:00 a.m. and could last for several hours. The hearing will be held in Room 313 of the Statehouse."
so you're absolutely right - it is important to know what they're up to down Columbus way.
I used to personally visit the Ohio General Assembly often and observe the proceedings of the House, the Senate, and of the various committees and subcommittees. I also would meet with some Representatives and Senators from time to time in various settings.
Those were some a very, very interesting times.
Observing the actual proceedings of our State Legislature allows a person an entirely different perspective than the perspective that may be formulated from the reports of others.
Lisa,
Watching government at work (Work is used VERY LOOSELY here) is not for the faint of heart.
And, rarely is it ever entertaining...
Watching government at work is just as interesting as watching your clothes dryer in action: lots of spin and hot air.
I found my decades-long observations, participation, and involvement in the public service sector to be both challenging and rewarding.
Addtionally, while each person is entitled to his or her own opinion, I believe that personal involvement and active participation in governmental and political processes allows one to have an "informed" opinion, not just an opinion.
Active participation, as opposed to sitting on the sidelines, also allows one to be part of the solution, rather than being part of the problem.
That's one of the great things about technology is for those of us who can't go to Columbus we still can see what is going on.
I agree with all of you that it is important and it does make us better informed. I used to think I was informed by just reading lots of news sources, but I learned first hand that what the media reports isn't always the same way I see the same situation.
Or something I think is important to me isn't covered, and I discover it while watching or listening.
I noticed that when I blog about events that there is media coverage at. Sometimes I've covered the same statement that the media has, sometimes not, which gives people who were not there an even better idea of what really happened.
That's part of the main reason behind creating this blog in the first place rather than just sticking with my older one. And of course my sinister goal to try to make you all political junkies (muuuhahahahaha)
:-)
Kate,
I have sent you an e-mail as you have requested.
Kate,
I just sent the e-mail again. Let me know by e-mail whether you receive it or not. My e-mail is rolhansen at yahoo dot com
My apologiees to Lisa Renee. I do not normally use blog comment sections for individual personal communication.
Roland, thank you and this is perfectly fine with me.
:-)
I'd also invite you Roland when you have a post on your blog that relates to a topic that I've written to please link it. You provide some fantastic information. Your resources on the issue of Ethics as one example is a great resource that I plan to spend some time at.
:-)
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