I really appreciate articles that strive to improve our federal government, because they are more concerned with fixing problems than blasting opponents. I'll give David Brooks, New York Times Op-Ed columnist, points for trying, with his recent article, Strengthen the Presidency.
In his article, David suggested that a stronger executive branch could overcome the gridlock of government and enable the nation to develop the necessary reforms to deal with todays issues. His reasoning is that the presidency can mobilize and organize quickly; has abundant specialized knowledge to deal with the problems; and it is more immune to political pressures and influence.
While his reasons about the executive branch are partly true, I oppose this solution as would most Americans. Dictatorships are very efficient and as one commented on his article, maybe we should just crown a king. If maximum efficiency of government is all we are looking for then maybe he has a point. However, our government is based on democracy which necessary makes governing more cumbersome and less efficient. And that is why so many believe in limited government.
The average size of a congressional district today is 710,767 - more than triple the average district size (225,500) of 1910. From an individual’s prospective, citizens influence has diminished by two-thirds.
What does this have to do with how our government runs? The influence we lost (and continue to lose) didn’t just disappear. It transferred from citizens to those willing to buy influence with money. Corporations, unions, political pacs, foreign governments all compete for that 2/3 influence with money.
My solution to fixing our federal government is not to increase the power of the presidency but to restore the power to the people by creating smaller congressional districts as was originally intended.
2 comments:
The easiest and quickest way to improve our federal government is to have the USMC arrest all 535 of the corrupt, dishonorable, idiots. Put that group in prision, immediatelyvelect 535 more with the understanding that they have 4 years to have the mess squared away, or they join their idiot compatriots in prision as well. It would work, and surely beats the alternative of a second American revolution. Oh, and while we've got their attention, term limits at no more than 12 years for house and senate, and every american is under the laws passed by congress. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Problem is talk is cheap and fixing the problem will be painful. Question is when and where do we start!!
Thank you for your comment. You know, I absolutely agree with your last words; “…and fixing the problem will be painful.” That is as honest as it gets, and it tells me that you realize your preceding rant isn’t really possible within the scope of freedom.
Where do we start? I believe it is every American’s responsibility to look beyond the rhetoric of politics and seek the truth. Unfortunately, most never do. Those that discovered truth, need to share humbly with everyone they can. So while idle talk is cheap, thoughtful words can inspire, convict, motivate and persuade.
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