Obama's Dog and Pony Show

Yesterday, Obama hosted a National Discussion on Health Care Reform where he was supposed to address questions that Americans had about his upcoming health care reform policies.

Of the 7 questions asked, 4 were hand picked by the White House and the other 3 were from liberal groups that proudly and openly support Obama (Healthcare for America Now, Organizing for America, and Service Employees International Union).

Even Helen Thomas, a liberal White House reporter who has been through several administrations said, "The point is the control from here. We have never had that in the White House. And we have had some control but not this control. I mean I'm amazed, I'm amazed at you people who call for openness and transparency...It's very shocking."

Why is Obama hand picking softball questions? What happened to transparency? Why won't Obama answer tough questions and real concerns that people have instead of controlling everything that gets asked?