Washington Politics
“It’s not so much how long you’ve been in Washington, but how much Washington is in you.”
There is a resounding theme within the far-reaching Tea Party movement: Kick Out the Bums! On the surface, this sounds great – let’s throw out the entire Congress and start fresh! A closer look, however, reveals this may not be the best plan.
Our Founders knew that there was a chance that turmoil and unrest would seize the nation, much as both do now. With freedom as rich as our founders intended, there are bound to be thousands of ideas, and many of them are probably not in the best interests of the nation. All, however, should be given a chance to stand on their own merit.
Therefore, they devised a plan:
a) The House of Representatives is where the sparks fly.
Representatives are elected to a two year term, providing a quick turnaround if constituents are unsatisfied.
b) The Senate is for “measured” discussion.
This is why our Senate is set up in three sections, each rotating out for election every two years, with six year terms. The upper chamber is (supposedly) where cooler heads prevail and ideas are (once again, supposedly) calmly discussed and debated. The bugs are worked out of tricky bills and real legislation is supposed to appear(s).
Of course, as we all know, it doesn’t always work that way.
However, remember when you were young, and you missed recess (again) because that one kid made the teacher so furious (s)he took recess away from everyone? It’s the same with Congressional elections.
Sure, there’s a ton of scoundrels; it’s politics, and we have our fair share of worthless, corrupt politicians that should be fired, but there is a measured number of real, honest people working to shape a better future for America. It’s not so much how long you’ve been in Washington, but how much Washington is in you.
As a voter, I value hard-earned experience. Indeed, career politicians are a major part of the problem, but what about the official who started out as a small business owner, worked his/her way up, realized s/he really had something to offer the public, worked tirelessly for a few terms, and made some real progress – in spite of the Harry Reids and Nancy Pelosis that surround them. Do we throw them out, too?
I say no.
Instead, let us emulate the design of the Senate and carefully consider who is worthy of holding the title of “Congressman”, “Congresswoman”, or “Senator“, and who deserves nothing more than a curt “Ma’am”.
I hope you join me in helping move the Tea Party from protest to true activism.
