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Who does a Congressman work for?

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by Salty, Feb 15, 2012.

  1. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    This question can get a bit complicated. Lets take an extreme examples:

    A congressman represents a district of which 80% are welfare recipients. A bill comes up which would increase welfare benefits 20%.
    If he considers his constitutes - he votes for the bill
    If he considers the entire country - he votes against the bill

    A Senator represents a State or Commonwealth with little industry. A bill comes up to give a tax advantage to a new business.
    If he considers the will of the people who want to maintain their run-of-the-mill life - he votes against the bill
    If he considers the potential of new jobs for thousands, he votes for the bill.

    Of course there is all kinds of compromise - in fact I would be interested in how often Ron Paul has compromised on bills?
    For example, supposes Ron Paul needs Ten Million dollars for disaster relief - another congressman says he will vote for the bill, if Paul will vote $50,000 for a new youth center in South Dakota. Should Paul agree?

    Other examples?
     
  2. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    Once he decides he likes his job a congressman works for himself.
     
  3. J.D.

    J.D. Active Member
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    A democracy is precisely what the founders did NOT intend to create. We are supposed to be a republic under the rule of law, not men, equally applied to all classes of men. Term limits and returning to state-elected (as opposed to popular vote) Senators would go a long way toward weakening the political power of the dependant class.

    If you're going to be a leader, you're either going to be a man of principle, or not. Decide now, before you're elected and the bribe offers start flowing in.
     
  4. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Thank you for your post - but how would you answer the question in the OP.
     
  5. Arbo

    Arbo Active Member
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    Yep. It's a good reason term limits are needed.
     
  6. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    > We are supposed to be a republic under the rule of law, not men,

    Exactly what we have.

    >equally applied to all classes of men.

    It has never happened in the history of the world.
     
  7. J.D.

    J.D. Active Member
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    Because it shouldn't matter if the congressman's district is 80% welfare recipients. Taking my money by force and giving it to someone else so they can buy beer is stealing and is unconstitutional. The premise that the elected official must appease the demands of his constituency is a form of pure democracy, not constitutional republicanism.
     
  8. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    But taking money by force and giving it to corporations to assist them sending jobs off shore is the new American way.
     
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