As members of the Minority Party, we do not have the primary authority to formulate the policy of our Government. But we do have the responsibility of rendering constructive criticism, of clarifying issues, of allaying fears by acting as responsible citizens.
As a woman, I wonder how the mothers, wives, sisters and daughters feel about the way in which members of their families have been politically mangled in Senate debate -- and I use the word 'debate' advisedly.
As a United States Senator, I am not proud of the way in which the Senate has been made a publicity platform for irresponsible sensationalism. I am not proud of the reckless abandon in which unproved charges have been hurled from this side of the aisle. I am not proud of the obviously staged, undignified countercharges that have been attempted in retaliation from the other side of the aisle.
I don't like the way the Senate has been made a rendezvous for vilification, for selfish political gain at the sacrifice of individual reputations and national unity. I am not proud of the way we smear outsiders from the Floor of the Senate and hide behind the cloak of congressional immunity and still place ourselves beyond criticism on the Floor of the Senate.
- From the "Declaration of Conscience" speech by Sen. Margaret Chase-Smith (R-ME).
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Why we think Congress isn't getting along these days:
1. Congressional members no longer spend a majority of their time in Washington. They spend more time in their districts (this is both good and bad). However, because they're not in Washington . . . they don't have as much time to socialize outside of work. They no longer have a sense of "Hill-Community."
2. Lack of competition is leading to mediocrity and partisanship. Because of recent redistricting . . . there are too many safe seats, which often leads to a greater number of "true believers." Voters at the primary level are promoting more homogeneous candidates . . . who (in turn) have staunchly one-sided views. This is slowly eliminating the number of "problem solvers" on Capitol Hill.
3. Members are too busy with other duties (most notably fundraising and the never-ending campaigns) to truly explore topics and engage in intellectual debate. Wonder and curiosity are becoming increasingly anathema on the Hill. Lawmakers stay "safe" by working to keep their party base happy, which leads to a neglect of the larger issues that are very often at stake.
Reform?
A. Redistrct . . . create some competition between parties and individuals.
B. Encourage more Americans to participate in the primary process . . . get the moderates out there!
C. Increase socialization between the members (and parties) . . . Congressional retreats, family incentives, etc.
