Civic Duty

Welcome Comrades,

I have a plan to change politics in this country and improve the health of our democracy. It involves a constitutional amendment. Uh-oh! That ought to give most of you pause... Changing parameters of the foundation of our government is a dangerous proposition, but I'm reckless and I'm willing to take the chance. That's just how I am.

The idea is to eliminate the influence of money and Party politics. So, here goes:

The XXVIIIth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States radically changes the selection process for the House of Representatives. All legally eligible citizens who are residents of their congressional districts are entered into a lottery. Five names are selected at random. These involuntary candidates are given six weeks to campaign with public funds and mandated access to the media for direct address to their constituency and televised debate amongst themselves. Any candidates unable to fulfill their terms due to extraordinary circumstances will be excused and another name selected. It's like jury duty, but on a national scale. Sounds like fun, huh? Unlike jury duty, however, the job of Congressional Representative comes with a staff and a nice salary. There will be no re-election.

So, what about the people who want to be congressmen? If you ask me anyone who wants a thankless job like that has some suspicious motives, but I have a plan for them, too. All potential candidates who meet the filing requirements (number of signatures, etc.) can be entered into a sepatate lottery from which two names are selected to run with the others. If your name is not selected, well, there's always next time. Good luck to you and the Red Sox...

At first, election to the Senate will remain as it is, but a similar process will be phased in comprised of Random Candidates and former House members once a reasonable pool is accumulated. No other citizens will qualify. I'm still thinking about how to select the President. A national lottery sounds a bit too arbitrary.

Does this plan discourage our best and brightest from seeking positions of national leadership? Perhaps, but why make it easy? Besides, who do you trust more, your neighbor, or your Congressman? There's a reason politicans have a bad reputation and it's not 'liberal media bias.' It's that power corrupts. Occaisionally, a decent citizen steps into a political office and tries to make government serve the people, but they're the exception, not the rule. Mostly, politicians seek office to influence how government serves them individually (and their largest campaign contributors, of course.) God, I'm so cynical!

Speaking of God, "God helps those who help themselves," right? That's what our politicians do, they help themselves to our wealth and liberty. I'll bet none of those Congressional Creatures of the religious right know where that phrase originates. Not the Bible! Not at all! It predates christianity. It comes from an old fable about Hercules, who told a supplicant, "The gods help those who help themselves." Do you get it? Gods, not God! It's pagan you pious prigs! The bible teaches patience, not misguided action. Check your bible, Bush! Damn it, I'm off message, again!

All right, back to the subject, my plan is visionary. It's a breath-taking work of genius. That's why no one will take it seriously. It's OK, I'm used to it. Some day, it's really gonna get to me, though. Some day, soon...

Hasta la victoria siempre,

TVD

--- 9/15/03

©2003 TVD