There have been some rumblings recently between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (a big proponent of Small Business) and President Barack Obama’s administration and proposed bills. The Chamber of Commerce has operated for 97 years on a simple principle of free enterprise, where there is very little government intervention. But President Obama has introduced several bills and legislation that would bring government decision-making much closer into the small business agenda.

This scenario has been growing more ominous over the last few months and has placed Thomas Donahue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, front and center. And it’s a delicate situation for a U.S. Government looking to balance the need for additional jobs growth with more financial regulations as part of its stimulus programs on the heels of the country’s recession. There have even been several defections from the Chamber of Commerce over certain issues (although it is interesting to note many of the publicized defections are very large, multinational enterprises; not small businesses).

We won’t debate the merits of each side (we’ll leave that to the political blogs). But as a blog with small business interests in mind, we’d like to know how this growing rift makes you feel. Small businesses all over the country have been keeping a close eye on the developments. Many of the decisions at stake could have an impact on how small businesses and entrepreneurs are able to grow their operations.

Are you a current member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce? Where do you stand on this issue? Do you think the Chamber of Commerce message has merit, or do you think President Obama’s agenda is the right way to go in this current economic climate?

Voice your opinion in the comment section below.