U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss of Georgia have joined a group of other Republican senators in cosponsoring a measure to require that the text and the cost of all legislation be made publicly available on the Internet 72 hours in advance of any debate or vote by the Senate or any of its committees or subcommittees.

It’s not only the public that needs such advance information. Informing the senators themselves is even more critical. Yet the Democrats in control of Congress in collaboration with our new “pro-transparency” (during the campaign) president are pasting together a health care bill behind closed doors, shutting out Isakson, Chambliss and other opponents and critics along with fellow Dems.

Does the disclosure bill, S. 1772, have a better chance than the proverbial snow ball?

“We’re remaining optimistic,“ said Isakson’s press secretary Sheridan Watson in response to the question. “It just seems like a common-sense initiative that Republicans and Democrats could support.” She recalled that “eight Senate Democrats sent a letter to Majority Leader Reid a few weeks back demanding that he make the text of the health care bill available in advance and that he get a full score (cost estimate). So there is momentum on both sides of the aisle.”

We can hope, but “common-sense” and “Congress” define "oxymoron"

If “transparency in the legislative process” in Congress is so important, why isn’t it important to the Cobb school board? Where’s the momentum on the school board to open up “retreats,” needless executive sessions and other closed-door meetings and let the sunshine in?