One of Barrack Obama’s big themes has been that this is a victory for all of us. This is our government and we’re responsible for enacting the change we want to see. Great point.
To tap into that theme and bring about real change, Congress should go on the road. It should hold session in half a dozen cities around the country. Get the Congress close to the people and the people close to Congress. Let’s stop talking about “those idiots in Washington.” Let’s start talking about how the great people of the state of California, the City of Chicago, Nashville, Seattle, St. Louis and Florida helped bring about massive improvements in health care and education.
Harry Reid and Barbara Boxer now is the time. Let’s have a government that is truly of the people, by the people and for the people. Take the Congress on the road six weeks a year.
We promise to greet you warmly and help get important things done.
2 responses so far ↓
reggiefairchild // January 20, 2009 at 11:41 pm |
A friend of mine said, “These are done in the form of field hearings all around the country quite regularly. I think the answer has more to do with an online interactive portal for WH and agencies.”
I replied, “I think you’re missing the scale of what I’m saying. Field Hearings sound so insignificant. I mean that Congress should truly be in session in New Orleans or Pheonix.
Reframe it. Make it a huge deal.”
She said, “I thought u were a fiscal conservative
”
I said, “The costs would be insignificant compared to the benefits.”
She said, “I applaud your enthusiasm but totally disagree. How many local or state hearings/sessions/meetings have you been to. VERY few people participate. I think this is about people engaging less in process and more on understanding how we all benefit from things government provides. I appreciate the brain fodder though”
reggiefairchild // January 20, 2009 at 11:42 pm |
Another friend said: “Cool idea in the civic sense but some big legal and logistical issues
to overcome because of how Congress works. I think the Constitution
forbids meeting outside the District of Columbia except in an
emergency. Security, travel and workspace would be a hugely expensive
for members and staff. Then there is the grandstanding which would
delay any work and raise cost; imagine the California delegation. And
keep in mind that 99 percent of the time, the Senate and House floor
are mostly empty, even when “big” legislation is being debated. It is
different, but the Committees have field hearings which get decent
turnout depending on the issue. Henry Brown scheduled and then
canceled a field hearing last year.
I know: details, details …”