Unfriending Congress

There have been several times over the last year where I found myself motivated to write to the congressional delegation of New Mexico, always in fierce opposition to some ridiculous expensive, wordy and unread legislative “framework”. Neither senator’s staff, Udall nor Bingaman, has ever responded although Bingaman’s office did put my address on their spam email list. Thanks for that. I have received responses from representative Heinrich’s office, informing me that everyone else wants what I don’t and that my opposition likely stems from a misunderstanding and that I will be appreciative some day when my life is enriched by the congress’ benevolence. Needless to say, I’m not exactly enamored with my state’s representation.

This morning there were two columns on National Review Online discussing the apparent antipathy congress has shown towards much of their constituency and how that has led to a distrust and even intense dislike from that constituency. Victor Davis Hanson explores ethical issues and the current congress’ inability/refusal for contemplation:

Recent polls show that more than 70 percent of the public holds an unfavorable view of Congress. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) wins about a 10 percent approval rating; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) has similarly rock-bottom poll numbers…Why this astounding — and growing — disdain for our lawmakers? After all, Congress has had plenty of scandals and corruption in the past, such as the House post-office and check-kiting messes, the Charles Keating payoffs, and the Abscam bribery…But lately, Congress seems not merely corrupt, but — far more worrisome — without apparent concern that it has become so unethical.

This is certainly believable as one avenue. In the last week, anyone who happened to pay attention, was able to witness former House Ways and Means Chair Charles Rangel (D, NY) dismissing charges against him stemming from failure to pay taxes and taking advantage of his position for illegal perks. It is debatable though how many people pay attention, Rangel could be thrown in prison tomorrow and would likely sail to re-election.

While the corruption angle is a valid one it is not the most important one simply because, as Hanson mentions, congress has had plenty of scandals and corruption in the past. The most detrimental aspect is that many of these criminals are often re-elected. NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg (Bought a Third Term-NY) reminded people that Rangel had done so much for NY. If certain areas continue to hire these people then they deserve what they get.

The most important detail starts with a more informed electorate. With the internet anyone can be as informed on any subject in relation to what the government is up to as desired. And being informed it is possible for the individual to understand how what congress does affects them directly and how to identify political posturing and nonsense. Stephen Spruiell examines an example of nonsense:

Judging from the previous remarks of key Senate Democrats, Senate majority leader Harry Reid isn’t likely to get enough votes for the energy bill he unveiled this week. Even without carbon caps or renewable-energy mandates on utility companies, Reid’s bill is too much of a job-killer to pass…Reid settled on a different strategy — a political one. He put forward a bill that eliminated the $10 billion cap entirely, even though that likely dooms the bill’s chances. “They’re hoping it will be defeated,” says a GOP Senate aide who works on energy issues. “They have the talking points ready about how it’s the Republicans’ fault. But this is going to be a little bit harder for them to put on the Republicans when we had an alternative bill they rejected out of hand.”

It can and will be argued that because National Review is a conservative magazine their opinion is biased in this regard but anyone who actually takes the time to examine the issues and the way that congress works will understand that this is the way that the democrats operate. They have complete control of the house and have a 59-41 seat advantage in the Senate, meaning they need not one Republican vote for anything. They would need one Republican vote in the Senate for cloture (the procedure to move a bill to the floor for a final vote) but there is no example of them not getting past that threshold. Further evidence can be found in examining the comments of the President and the leaders of both chambers of congress, every problem we face and the lack of a solution is because of the Republican boogeyman.

This is an old story and as more and more of the electorate becomes informed and shares knowledge in casual conversation the less this tactic will work. That’s the glass half full view. The half empty view wonders if enough of the electorate cares enough to become informed and with gerrymandered house districts how much does it matter? After all, how many congressmen have been re-elected after being sent to prison? Starting this November we will learn which direction is correct. Mr. Heinrich, I am not the only person in NM-1 that does not care for the democrat utopia.