Tell em Rand...

[Ducimus]

Originally Posted by kraznyi_oktjabr

It looks like (atleast from this side of the pond) that almost everything is "major principle" that can't be negotiated of.

We don't compromise anymore. We just dig our heels in and duke it out, while trying to make the other guy look bad.

[nikimcbee]

@Platatpus
That was a great post.
I think the big problem is where it becomes a career for them. When it becomes a career, they no longer serve their constituents, but they are more worried about their job security. I think this is a big problem, where there is one party rule. (See Oregon or Utah for examples)
They get hooked on the power and the benefits, then there is no removing them.

I think there should a a one term limit and you're done and/or get rid of all the benefits,perks, goodies, salary, and give them a basic living stipend. Do it like jury duty maybe.




McBee! that is jus crazy! Who will drive me to lunch!?! I AM A QUEEN!!!!!
Where is Mooke? Mookie, don't jus stand there, get me my coffee! Neal, what are you laughing at!?! Get me my lunch!!!

I AM THE CONGRESS WOOOOOMAN! AND YOU WILL RESPECT ME!

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by Bubblehead1980

Platapus, the problem with negotiation, is if it violates major principles, it is a betrayal of your voters to "do the deal" ....

"Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion." Eddie Burke (1774)

Which raises an interesting question. Can a representative serve his or her people and not agree with their opinions?

That is not an easy question to answer.

In our representative government, we empower, through elections, people to make decisions on our behalf not necessarily based on our opinion. If we disagree with the way our elected representative represents us, the citizens can choose not to re-elect them.

It would be swell if what the citizens want and what the representative thinks is right are in agreement. But what if they ain't?

Our country is only a democracy to the point of electing our representatives. After that, the "will of the people" is less important until the next election.

That is the basis of a representative government.

This is why it is so important to really understand the candidate further than a letter after his or her name.