So it doesn’t look like the newly empowered Dems and their rabid vanguard in the netroots are going to be able to end the war this week. Rather than fume, stew, or drink myself silly, I thought I’d see if I could direct some energy towards a worthy project that serves all our liberal purposes. The Punch Clock Project sounds like a great idea, and I think we should bring it back to the conversation.

Sadly, Rep. Gillibrand is one of only two elected officials to participate in this program, and even she doesn’t quite get it right. The idea is a simple one, stunningly simple when you think about it: our officials should use that wonderous technology known as the “Intertubes,” and tell us what they do with their working day. Here’s what the Punch Clock folks are asking for:

The Punch Clock Agreement

I believe citizens have a right to know what their Member of Congress does every day.

Starting with the next Congress, I promise to publish my daily official work schedule on the Internet, within 24 hours of the end of every work day. I will include all matters relating to my role as a Member of Congress. I will include all meetings with constituents, other Members, and lobbyists, listed by name. (In rare cases I will withhold the names of constituents whose privacy must be protected.) I will also include all fundraising events. Events will be listed whether Congress is in session or not, and whether I am in Washington, traveling, or in my district.

What a crazy idea, eh? I’m sure there are lots and lots of reasons why more elected officials haven’t signed up for this…no, I’m not.

I’ve been trying to find out more about a couple of Congresscritters, working on a project. I’m amazed (not) at how difficult it is for me to find out with whom they speak, spend time, respect, have lunch with, etc. And don’t blame me for being lazy- it’s not like your elected officials are actually in DC and doing their jobs by showing up for votes, or anything silly like that:

Last week a story in the Roll Call (referred to a story in the Indianapolis Star) brought attention to the mysterious missing Congressman Dan Burton. Burton had apparently been missing votes in the House to go golfing.

Burton was at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in lovely Palm Springs, Calif., where he played in the pro-am event at four local golf courses over four days.

This week in the Indianapolis Star Burton apologized for his behavior:

U.S. Rep. Dan Burton this morning apologized for missing 19 votes to play in a golf tournament in January.
Burton, R-Indianapolis, who has not responded to requests for comment, made his apology during an appearance on a conservative radio talk show in Indianapolis.
Burton told talk show host Greg Garrison that he made reservations to play in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic when Republicans were still in control of the House.
When Democrats took control, he did not expect them to schedule votes so early in the month. “I probably made a mistake,” he said.

He said, however, he hasn’t yet met the perfect person who hasn’t made any mistakes.

Burton missed votes to reduce college costs and cut oil industry tax breaks so he could play in the Palm Springs, Calif. golf tournament in January.
Burton also missed hearings on Iraq and North Korea to play in the event, which pairs top golfers with politicians and celebrities such as actor and director Clint Eastwood.

A review of House votes for the past decade shows the Indianapolis Republican has been absent every year votes coincided with the tournament: 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2001. This year in January, he missed a total of 20 out of 73 votes.

Who is in charge of making sure that Congress people are doing their job. I think Heard on the Hill put it best:

…Why should an elected official like Burton have to explain his whereabouts to anyone? So what if he just decided not to go to work for a week? Can’t you do that at your job? How important was it really to vote on stem-cell research funding, the minimum wage or energy policy when he had the chance to play golf with celebrities such as Yogi Berra, George Lopez, Michael Bolton, Huey Lewis and Maury Povich?

or maybe, I think the question that needs to be asked is; If Burton had Punched the Clock would he be making “mistakes” like this for years?

There are a hundred reasons why a project like this has value, to us as citizens and bloggers and taxpayers. But the most powerful argument I can think of in its favor is that it doesn’t cost anything, or require more than the merest effort. Anyone who has ever had a job has had to conform to a schedule and be ready to answer for their whereabouts to their bosses and coworkers. It’s high time that Congresscritters were the same.

Call or email your rep today and tell them to get with the program.