The Missing Congressperson

A root problem with politics is politicians. A politician is primarily concerned with:

• Reelection
• Securing power and influence over others
• Dragging their opponents through the mud
• Their image in the media at large
• Their standing among others in Congress
• Sending pork back to their home State
• Their image in the media in their home State

A Congressperson should - indeed must - for the sake of the Country, be concerned with:

• The U.S. Constitution and ONLY what it delegates to the federal government - which is very little.

Because of the general narcissist quality of politicians, they are inclined to do anything to win an election and maintain their position. This results in a transfer of convictions and values from a solid position within their character to a much degraded position as cheap political currency. Convictions and values are sold to the highest bidder and that currency is then used to to achieve their primary goals (see the list above).

Are these the kind of people who should be crafting legislation in Washington? The candidate I dream of is likely unelectable and, if elected, would not run for reelection. Their primary concern would consist of casting votes and crafting legislation that falls squarely within the guidelines set forth by the Constitution. That being their chief concern, and since they would not run for reelection, there would be little motivation to prostitute their convictions and others would have no leverage to apply against them.

If a fellow Congressperson approaches them and says "I'll vote for your legislation if you vote for mine." The appropriate response should be something along the lines of "Shove it." But said in a stately manner with respect. "With all due respect, Shove it."

The Congressperson should have little to no regard for their own image. They should be willing to become a pariah within Washington, slandered and maligned by colleagues and the media and stick to their guns: cast votes and craft legislation in keeping with the Constitution. The result would be a great many "No" votes and spartan legislation. They would not seek to "bring home the bacon", but would seek instead to keep the government out of our lives - and wallets. They would serve one term then get out before they become infected by the cancerous lust for power that is so prevalent within the halls of power.

I think there are some candidates out there like this. I imagine most of them don't make it past the primaries. Perhaps they could run as independents, but then they'd have much difficulty getting on the ballot in the first place. I once playfully asked a very straight-laced man who I greatly respect when he was going to run for office. He replied, "When Hell freezes over." He would make an ideal Congressperson. I know he would not buckle to peer pressure or the call to look good in front of the camera, but his sentiment is shared by many who would make good Congresspersons. Actually the best Congressperson would probably make a horrible candidate.

The best people for Congress
aren't even running.

Jay Risner