Mr President,
You promised transparency in your administration. It was one of the main reasons that many independents voted for you. They were tired of the deception and cronyism of the Bush years.
When you promised repeatedly to put the health care negotiations on CSPAN, it was a watershed moment in your candidacy. Shame the congress into doing the right thing, you said! I agreed with you then, and had hope for the future.
Of course I understand your reticence to do so now. Your a pragmatic person, and this bill MUST BE PASSED in order for your presidency to move forward.
However, this decision is going to haunt you, going forward. Your opponents will use this decision to bludgeon you (and by extension, all democrats) in upcoming elections. They will equate this will George H Bush's 'Read My Lips, No New Taxes" moment.
Don't let them do it!
This is one campaign promise that must keep, in order to retain the House and Senate in 2010. Please, sir. Do NOT LET THEM HAVE THIS WEAPON!!!
This is one time that pragmatism should force you to keep a pledge. If you back off your promise to allow light to shine on the negotiation process, it will hurt all of us in 2010 and beyond. Don't do it.
Please!
The pragmatic thing to do would be to keep the promise. I know you'll make the right decision.
KS