Congress a Stage for Misbehaving Executives

Congress has seemed to change its overall function in recent years as it has become a one stop shop for all of the executives of the world to receive a severe scolding for their behavior in financial matters. Many people in Washington have become amused at the almost television like demeanor of the governing body as it calls in countless people to “testify” about certain goings on in the world around.

Many believe this started with the infamous tobacco testimony. Leading tobacco company executives were called before Congress where they stated that their products were no more addictive than “desserts.” They were later recalled and forced to admit to the lethal properties of cigarettes. Thus the corporate scolding sessions began.

Of course few will ever forget when baseball players such as Sosa and McGuire were called before Congress to discuss the steroid scandal. Many of the players gave heartfelt speeches, breaking down to tears, but the governing body was not impressed. This lead to the crackdown by the government and major league baseball on the use of performance enhancing drugs.

The main event in recent months has been not only the BP oil spill, but also Toyota and Goldman Sachs. Congress continues to hold hearings where the executives of large companies are scolded publicly. The question in Washington is whether or not these hearings are doing any good or if they are simply a show for the public.

It remains to be seen what other big names will appear before Congress. Changing the way that Congress does things will certainly not be easy according to many insiders. However, certain changes may take affect should there be new leaders elected. But most state that more hearings are being scheduled and the people will continue to see what Congress believes to be a fair punishment for poor behavior.