Being a good listener is the essential quality of being an effective elected official and is critical to being a successful politician.

Not wanting to listen to citizens is the real wonderment of the current brouhaha over holding public “listening” meetings during the so called “Summer Work Period”, Congressional recess or vacation depending on your viewpoint.

The heart of what has become in some places shouting matches and unruly crowds are genuine intense concern and personal feelings people have about their own healthcare. There is nothing manufactured about that. As we repeatedly hear, healthcare represents about one sixth of our national economy. Thus the stakes are high and everyone wants to get any changes right. There should not be a rush to just get something done. Good public policy must require some study of what we believe the costs are and the results.  With the White House’s ever changing position it seems the President just wants to pass “something” (which I believe he eventually will (no matter how hollow)) and hold it up as an achievement.

This post was not supposed to be about the healthcare debate (that is way too complicated) but before moving back to Listening, I’ll simply add the essential debate is between making healthcare affordable or creating another national entitlement.

The stage for the outrage at public meetings was set because of public sentiment and outrage over the unfunded stimulus package passed last February and the President’s and Democrats adopted budget that includes adding 1.8 Trillion to the deficit. Remember the Tax Day Tea Parties? They were a precursor of public opinion on healthcare.

Without question attendance and participation at many of the events we have seen on television and the internet were organized by those who oppose the Democrat version of healthcare reform. Of course this is core of political freedom and has much to do with what America is about. For some to suggest that this is anti American or Nazi tactics is completely wrong headed. If you don’t like the message shoot the messenger.

Political analyst Juan Williams hit the nail on the head when he said it depends who is protesting. If it was against the War in Viet Nam or the Reverend Dr. King then it’s ok. If it’s against healthcare reform then it’s Nazi tactics. Williams added that President Obama was a community organizer and whose job it was to get people to attend public meetings to protest government policy (in this case the City of Chicago).

I have organized several political events and it requires determination and focus. It is hard work. But success only comes when people are interested and motivated. You just don’t say lets go see the Congresswoman and talk about healthcare. While unfortunately rowdy, I saw people at these events who were not acting. They are concerned, scared and very real.

It is too bad that some of our Senators and Representatives have chosen to avoid these meetings. Come election time next year there may be a very real price to pay. Before cramming a solution down our throat they must take some time to listen.

Endbar – It is ironic. Usually during the summer timeout, the Solons hold meetings no one really shows up, and the opposing political party complains that they are Campaigning on the Public Dime. This year the party (in this case the GOP) is not complaining that they are holding meetings but complaining they are not. In politics, arguments can take some interesting turns.

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