Politics as soap opera

[rbuswell]

This thread is a response to the several "Support our Troops" threads in the OT. I felt it was general in nature and needed to be started seperately. I hope you agree.

When it comes right down to it, our federal government was formed to do two things, protect our shores and promote interstate commerce. Everything else is just fluff and the taxpayers are writing all the checks. Our country has been so favored and blessed that our citizens can't even fathom how well off we are. We like today's political system the way it is because it represents entertainment value ... a soap opera if you will.

The reality is that beyond vetting and approving a military budget and making laws so citizens can get a fair shake in dealings with citizens in other states EVERYTHING else is outside of the charter and mission of Congress. When our country was founded, the Congress was made up of leaders who had other jobs at home (e.g, businesses, farms, professional practices) and only ran for office because they felt the call to serve. Many admitted relief when they weren't elected. Congress met in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Lancaster, York, Princeton, Annapolis, Trenton, New York and then Washington. Travel was dangerous and difficult, they only stayed for weeks not year round and they all wanted to turn over their seat in Congress as soon as they could.

Today we have such a complex system that a freshman Congressman or Senator needs at least two years just to learn the ropes. We have Members of Congress who have been in office four decades and beyond. It's a travesty and our founding fathers are undoubtedly turning in their graves.

Wouldn't it be grand if Congress still met for a couple weeks per year, approved a military budget, refined laws affecting interstate commerce and went home?

Personally, I used to be much more interested in politics. Now I just focus on how to protect myself from the economic and emotional damage being inflicted by our system of government. Very sad.

By the way, a minimum of 4% of GDP seems like a good investment to protect our shores.