Posted on 11/03/2010 8:43:01 AM PDT by Zionist Conspirator
I am of course disappointed that, unlike 1994, the Republican party didn't take both houses of Congress. This was a "bloodbath?" Please! Needless to say I'm also disappointed with the results in Nevada, Alaska, Delaware, and other such places where Dems who were "sure to lose" did not.
However, regardless of who wins Congressional elections, we have the same problem: Congress is in session continually, made up of people who legislate for a living, doing just that. Congress has basically been in session continuously since 1933.
Prior to that time Congress was made up of people who did something else for a living. They spent most of the year at home, Congress meeting for only about three months a year (aside from emergency sessions). But since 1933 all this has changed--at first thanks to an emergency session, but afterward make permanent by the 20th or "Lame Duck" Amendment to the Constitution.
I have read many ideas offered by others to solve our dilemma: repeal the income tax, rein in the courts, restrict the franchise, return to selection of Senators by State legislatures, etc., etc., etc. But it occurs to me that, whatever the merits (or demerits) of all the above, we'd all be a lot safer if the national legislature simply were not in session and making laws continuously.
Granted, Dems could do a lot of damage in three month sessions, but nothing compared to what they do legislating almost 365 days a year.
I suggest repealing the 20th Amendment, abolishing the concept of the "professional legislator," and restricting the time periods during which laws are made.
What do my fellow FReepers think?
“Shorten Senators’ term to 4 years, or better yet, 2. Shorten representatives terms to 1 year.”
Oh, great, instead of doing anything else, once elected a brand new House member would go to their swearing in ceremony and then return home to start campaigning for their re-election 11 months later.
If anything I would keep all house races to the “off years” - the non-Presidential-election years - and increase the terms to four years - almost insuring the exec and the majority in the legislature will be on opposite sides of the aisle; increasing the chances of both grid-lock and only essential compromise; not bad things to have when what you want is limited government.
Interesting idea. Good to encounter someone else at least willing to think about improvements.
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