Do Lawmakers Practice 'Selective Hearing?'

As a parent, we have said to our children: “Are you listening to me?” In the sales world, listening is described as an art. The person who is the best at listening is the top sales person and the most successful in life. I often joke about men developing selective hearing when it comes to responding to what we have heard our wife say.

Selective hearing might be the best way to describe what is taking place in the political world. As I talk with lawmakers, I receive the impression they are looking at me and want me to think they are listening, yet when the time comes for them to vote on an issue, they vote the opposite way I had encouraged them to vote.

We sit back in wonder as we hear about what is taking place in Washington, where each state has two senators and a member of the House of Representatives to vote the way the majority of their district wants them to vote on a subject.

As an observer of the political system, I am surer than ever that when we listen to a lawmaker long enough we will finally know the truth about them and how they really believe on any given subject. There are organizations tracking all of the votes of the people who are elected to represent the citizens. At the end of a legislative session, these organizations report on how each person voted. As I read these reports, I stand back amazed at how people who run for office as conservatives continue to vote liberal on the issues.

During an election campaign, those running for office make it known to all who will listen that they are different from all the others in Washington. They want the people to know they will stand alone if necessary to fight for the freedoms of the people. When the time comes for a vote, however, they vote opposite. Do they know something we don’t know as citizens? Are we supposed to believe that a no vote is really a yes vote, and in the best interest of the taxpaying citizens who vote in every election? What could possibility have happened to a person who campaigns as a conservative, and who all of a sudden once in Washington, vote liberal on the issues?

Like many in our state, I am confused that our two senators continue to tell us they are conservative, yet when it is time to cast a vote for freedom and liberty they vote with the liberals. What is up with that? Wish I knew the answer to that question. I suggest they are not listening to the people.

The people who vote a lawmaker into office should be able to feel comfortable that the person will represent their values and beliefs as they are called on to vote. From where I stand we need lawmakers who will listen to the people they are elected to represent.

Follow Ray Newman on Twitter @RayNewmanSr