[mdmull]

No comment on the 401k rumors, but I must take exception to the explanation of the congressional hearing realities. In the Civics texts the above explanation is correct, but in reality, they provide an opportunity for each party to alternately bash opponents of their point of view & elevate the witnesses that support their point of view. While some actual information/ideas are in the room, the congress"people" are not listening they're posturing. Any actual gathering of information is done by the staff & they mirror & support the political bias of their boss. The witnesses that testify are known quantities to the politicos & are selected to support or oppose the pre-chosen position. Both parties do this & the number of witnesses are in proportion to the committee party lines. No attempt is made to hear "the voice of the People", or even the facts.