Okay, let's see a show of hands. How many readers are aware that yesterday the US Senate passed the Small Business Additional Temporary Extension Act of 2011? Whether or not you were able to raise your hand, do you have the slightest idea what this bill pertains to?
Here's the official summary from the US Senate website:
Probably not! Hidden in this plain vanilla description are three controversial provisions of the "Patriot Act."
So, how is a citizen supposed to comment on legislation of such importance when it is presented in such a convoluted fashion? Why do the House and Senate create so many misnamed bills? What are they trying to hide...in plain sight?
Here's the official summary from the US Senate website:
A bill to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes.Does that clear it up for you? Do you now understand what this bill pertains to?
Probably not! Hidden in this plain vanilla description are three controversial provisions of the "Patriot Act."
So, how is a citizen supposed to comment on legislation of such importance when it is presented in such a convoluted fashion? Why do the House and Senate create so many misnamed bills? What are they trying to hide...in plain sight?
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