While it isn’t clear about the 111th Congress, the 110th Senate was comprised of 59% attorneys. The House of Representatives is not quite as encumbered at 40%, but attorneys comprise the single largest profession represented within the two bodies responsible for passing our laws. Personally, I’d like to see not more than 10% in the House or the Senate.
We’ve reached a state where common man or woman cannot aspire to be elected to national office. It’s not so much a matter of our being bright enough or lacking in people skills. It simply boils down to money. Rep Barney Frank is a Harvard attorney, who is nearly unintelligible, but keeps getting elected. Why? Of course that question could be asked about the others as well. The exception in his case is that he speaks legalese, politico double speak, and the ever present lisp. This, coupled with the fact that he represents Massachusetts, is gay, and is heavily lobbied, keeps him going.
I wonder what our Congress would be like if it were run by the citizen farmer, businessman (but caution must be applied here), stay at home mom, or a Joe the plumber type? Could it be worse? In today’s environment it seems that little is done for the good of the country, but much is attempted for the good of “my “district.
To shorten this lengthy tirade, I’m in favor of term limits. For me two terms and out works. Of course something of this magnitude would have to have a stratified phased in approach. A fruit basket turnover would not work. Something akin to 25 Senators changed in 2010, another 25 in 2012, another in 2014, and the final 25 in 2016 would work. I’d use the same percentages for Congress. Career politicians have damaged our country. As soon as they are elected, they must worry about getting re-elected. Perhaps if that chance didn’t exist, they’d be more honest in their dealings and maybe even more astute in what laws they pass, since the new laws would apply to them in a couple of years. AS ALWAYS, LOOKIN’ FOR COMMENTS!!!
You speak the truth and your language is also very sophisticated. I'm in favor of common man running the country but they often become uncommon when they finally reach their destination. Therefore the best way to solve this problem is to get elected president in your own house and see that everything is going in order, create new policies and laws. It's a good practice to test this presidency in your own house, in a smaller, risk-free environment where opposition will stick together through good and bad times.
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