Don't you love Congressional hearings? They're a microcosm of our government at work.

We ran a story on Live at Daybreak today about Congress holding hearings on the rising cost of food. If you're waiting for that to result in lower costs at the grocery store, don't hold your breath.

We see this all the time. An issue gets hot, and permeates the national consciousness. A bunch of elected officials decide to capitalize on the publicity. They parade some people before members of Congress. The elected officials make grand statements reflecting the rage of their constituencies. The subjects of the inquiry offer their defenses, then everybody goes home.

Oh, and nothing actually happens.

Remember that time CEO's went before Congress talking about outrageous compensation packages? Yeah... that changed. Then there have been the multiple times oil company execs have been shuffled before Congress to explain why they're making billions of dollars a quarter. How'd that work out for us at the gas pumps?

So let us resolve not to confuse Congressional Hearings with Congressional Action from now on. And, let us not expect this latest round of hearings will impact our lives whatsoever. That's our government at work.

emails: vvitrano@todaystmj4.com