[Roneyslelry]

Unfortunately, in this country there are plenty of people who would far better serve the people than the public can even know. If the incumbents are wealthy, well connected people they can afford to plaster their faces all over the media, while the more qualified candidate who does not have the financial resources may be washed away into the background. I think the biggest problem, though, is that people simply do not pay attention to what their representatives are doing. Many (if not most) of the constituents probably have no idea what kinds of legislation their representatives are passing or voting on. For example, one of the Senators from my state has staunchly supported the legislation proposed by the administration, regardless of its infringement of my rights as an American citizen. Yet, the majority of the people of this state seem not to care because they keep voting for him, like it is some tradition that needs to be perpetuated. Of course, how can a population from a state that is almost last in education nationwide have adequate knowledge to be able to make informed decisions at the voting booth? Scary.
And, don't forget the overwhelming amount of people who never even cast a vote. I often wonder what the government would look like if a true majority of the nation actually voted. I bet it would look very different. Would you be in favor of term limits for House and Senate? I think it is a necessity to ensure there is truly a representative government and decrease the stagnation of policy goals. You know, keeps things fresh, and provides for new ideas! For example, how could someone like Strom Thurmond have been a true representative of his state when those who elected him were all dead during the last years of his career?!

Great post. You hit on a (very) critical issue. This is the one I think we (all) need to reexamine.

Let's take back our country. Let's get real representation in congress. After all, they work for the citizens, not themselves or their "special interests". They need to be reminded of that.

Sign this petiton and let's see who really runs this country.

"Citizens for Term Limits" http://www.citizencongress.org/

Congress has a 99% incumbency rate. Let's end this for good.