The immediate answer is, They serve the people. But do they really? If we look at Congress’ approval rating over the years, it is hard to believe the people are pleased with their service. Congress had its highest approval rating just after 09/11. Prior to then, it had never been above 60%. Since then, it dropped to an all-time low of 9% towards the end of 2013 and currently stands at 26%. How can a body of individuals, elected to serve the people, have such a low approval rating? How can so many of them be returned to office election after election?
There have been, over the years, 22 Senators who have served 36 years or more. While there have been 57 Representatives in Congress who have served more than 36 years. Currently, there are two senators with more than 36 years of service and six Congressional Representatives. It would seem that, while our disappointment with the body as a whole is great, we don’t find fault with our own elected Senators or Congressmen. This is a conundrum I find difficult to fathom.
I have seen many new Senators and Representative elected to office. They have lots of energy and enthusiasm on the campaign trail, they make many promises of change, but once in Washington they are swallowed up by the machine and rarely find their way back to the enthusiastic, energetic and hopeful candidate they once were. Yet when it comes time to reelect, somehow we are willing to overlook their betrayal and return them to office. Why did we elect them in the first place?
I for one vote for the individual I believe has listened to my concerns, has my and my fellow citizens interests at heart and will make every effort to enact legislation that, 1) protects my life, 2) protects my liberty and 3) allows me the opportunity to pursue my own happiness as I deem necessary. There are two books/articles I would recommend for all who have an interest in understanding the role of government, i.e. the role of the legislature. The first is The Law by Frederic Bastiat. The second is The Proper Role of Government by former Secretary of Agriculture in the Eisenhower Administration, Ezra Taft Benson.
Each of these gentlemen outlines the role of government in the lives of individuals. In summary, governments are instituted to protect our individual liberties, i.e. the right to own property, the right to benefit from our labors, the right to live free of harm from others and pursue our personal interests. They are instituted to ensure our sovereignty and protect us from domestic and foreign aggressors. They are instituted to ensure the rule of law as promulgated by the people through the government because the governments’ power is derived from the people.
Our Politicians are sent to Washington to Legislate. Too many have forgotten this and believe they have been sent to investigate. They spend hours and hours in investigations while needed legislation lies idle. It is, in my view, time they were told to either perform their duties as they were elected to do or someone else will be elected who is willing to do so. I also believe we the people have brought this upon ourselves by not sending the message earlier and by continually returning poor performing politicians to Washington furthering their opportunity to demonstrate their incompetence.
Whether you agree or disagree, I encourage you to Get Out To Vote. Get involved, find out what the candidates truly stand for and make an informed choice. Do not sit idly by believing it is out of your hands. Your voice makes a difference, especially at the Ballot Box.
