Rethinking the day to day of government

[sironin]

I think the time has come to rethink how the daily affairs of our government are conducted.

Today we fly state representatives from all over the nation to a single, vulnerable location. It is a poor idea from a modern military standpoint and flat out stupid from an information age standpoint. There isn't a good reason to do it this way beyond tradition.

It would be far more efficient to simply hold all meetings and communications over the internet, or perhaps a separate hardened network. Such meetings could easily become a part of the public record, which would reduce some of the inherent corruption involved in politicians meeting privately with anyone. It would also save enormous amounts of money as far as transporting and housing politicians when they reach their destinations.

Holding a session of congress could be as easy as accepting the calender invite and joining the video conference. Legislation and amendments could be circulated and amended instantaneously via any number of group project software packages. And this entire process could be published online so that citizens may more easily exercise diligence in reigning in their representatives.

What say you?

[gratefuldruid]

I think the time has come to rethink how the daily affairs of our government are conducted.

Today we fly state representatives from all over the nation to a single, vulnerable location. It is a poor idea from a modern military standpoint and flat out stupid from an information age standpoint. There isn't a good reason to do it this way beyond tradition.

It would be far more efficient to simply hold all meetings and communications over the internet, or perhaps a separate hardened network. Such meetings could easily become a part of the public record, which would reduce some of the inherent corruption involved in politicians meeting privately with anyone. It would also save enormous amounts of money as far as transporting and housing politicians when they reach their destinations.

Holding a session of congress could be as easy as accepting the calender invite and joining the video conference. Legislation and amendments could be circulated and amended instantaneously via any number of group project software packages. And this entire process could be published online so that citizens may more easily exercise diligence in reigning in their representatives.

What say you?

Absolutely Brilliant - and prior to WWII, the Congress people lived and worked (yes, they worked a real job) in their home district and only went to DC at certain times of the year to develop and debate legislation.

Your idea would get us back to those more grounded days, before the Congress became the Kings and Queens of the US

[RTchoke]

I think the time has come to rethink how the daily affairs of our government are conducted.

Today we fly state representatives from all over the nation to a single, vulnerable location. It is a poor idea from a modern military standpoint and flat out stupid from an information age standpoint. There isn't a good reason to do it this way beyond tradition.

It would be far more efficient to simply hold all meetings and communications over the internet, or perhaps a separate hardened network. Such meetings could easily become a part of the public record, which would reduce some of the inherent corruption involved in politicians meeting privately with anyone. It would also save enormous amounts of money as far as transporting and housing politicians when they reach their destinations.

Holding a session of congress could be as easy as accepting the calender invite and joining the video conference. Legislation and amendments could be circulated and amended instantaneously via any number of group project software packages. And this entire process could be published online so that citizens may more easily exercise diligence in reigning in their representatives.

What say you?

Princess Pelosi won't stand for that.

IMHO, I kinda like it.

[LibertyinAtl]

Absolutely Brilliant - and prior to WWII, the Congress people lived and worked (yes, they worked a real job) in their home district and only went to DC at certain times of the year to develop and debate legislation.

Your idea would get us back to those more grounded days, before the Congress became the Kings and Queens of the US I wonder how many congress men and women currently in office ever held a real job....Has Ted Kennedy ever had a job?
When was the last time Pelosi made a paycheck in the private sector?

[sironin]

Princess Pelosi won't stand for that.

Which is somewhat of a problem. People need to find representatives that DO support ideas like this. It ultimately helps everyone. So a politician that disapproves probably shouldn't be holding office.

[WildRose]

Well on the face this would certainly take us back to the type of Governance our Founders envisioned.

ON the other hand, with technology being what it is, it would be very easy for a whole lot of very underhanded shenanigans to go on in private.

At least when our reps go slinking off to private meetings at undisclosed locations, it's noticeable and it can be reported on.

I would prefer I think, at least at first blush a change in the manner and time of meeting for the legislature similar to what we have here in Texas. Our legislature is limited to meeting once every other year, for a period of no more than 180 Days unless the governor calls them into special session.

An amendment limiting congress to meet for no more than say four to six months per year, that also required them to spend at least four to six months per year living in their districts would dramatically chance the power structure, make them far more accessible, and most of all far more accountable to the voters at home.

Unfortunately other than shoveling kickbacks and earmarks back to their districts to buy votes, most of them seem to have forgotten who they represent.

One of the big evils of political parties is that sooner or later the parties tend to become more powerful than the voters... .

[WildRose]

Princess Pelosi won't stand for that.

IMHO, I kinda like it.On second thought anything Pelosi would fight I'd probably consider even more worthy...