Congressional Hearings Aka Political Grandstanding

May it be clearly understood that my writing is for the sole purpose of sharing some of my eighty plus years of experience; and that nothing written here is intended to criticize, downgrade or otherwise diminish any person or their opinions.

On this Tuesday April 27, 2010, and during recent weeks, there has been and is much being said about perceived errors related to Toyota recalls, Wall Street skullduggeries and the like. So hello election year and attendant congressional hearings! The truth is there is nothing new about automobile recalls nor are questionable business practices particularly innovative.

Alas, we have real world disappointments. So what else is new?

The part that snaps my garter is the audacity of professional politician pontifications during congressional hearings while they seem to live happily in la la land mishandling trillions of tax payer and future generation hard earned dollars. You may have a peek at the projected financial future of our country on the USA Budget Summary web site.

Watching the exchange between congressional "hearers" and a top Toyota official left me feeling embarrassed for my country. The official was polite, cooperative and surely in a state of wonderment at the questions posed by people who haven't a clue about the automobile manufacturing business.

One congresswoman asked if Toyota was going to foot the bills for injuries, fatalities and other damages caused by the recall problem. Shouldn't a person elected to represent us in the congress of the United States of America know that discussion of matters in litigation is a no no?

My bottom line is that grandstanding at hearings is arrogance in its finest form and that putting ones own house in order is best prioritized over nosing into another house - and especially a house said grandstanders know nothing about.

Sir Oldman
April 27, 2010