Variation on "Ask not..."

[Chris]

LeeAnn Hanson, this morning on NPR, promoting an upcoming story about the upcoming Congressioinal election.

"Ask not what you can do for your country; Ask what you can do for your District."

My idea of a "good Congressman" is one who does what's best for the United States of America, whether or not it is good for his district. He must vote his conscience. If he doesn't get re-elected, then so be it. Congress is not a life-long career. It is a two-year appointment (by the people).

[KeithE]

[Dave Roberts]

For good or for ill, the late Senator Robert Byrd of WV was the supreme example of the confusion in roles. After Byrd became a progressive voice in the 1970's, he became one of the champions of most Democratic ideas. Yet, he was the "King of Pork." All over the state he represented are things bearing his name (from highways to libraries to recreation centers). All of them were tucked into bills he helped to craft to bring this home. He kept get elected, even when his ideas often didn't sqare with many of his constituents because he gained so much for his state. It's a difficult role to be in.

[Chris]

[Gary]

[Chris]

[Gary]

[Dave Roberts]

It's like last week. On Tuesday at work we received a fax from Rep. Randy Forbes extolling the need to cut federal spending to the bone to stop the runaway train wreck of fiscal irresponsibility. On Wednesday, he voted to spend $33-billion more in Afghanistan. Is there any contradiction in those two positions?

[KeithE]

[Dave Roberts]

I'm intrigued by the logic that goes on in Washington in both parties. No one seems to take responsiblilty these days for doing anything that will risk their incumbancy.