"Americans think Congress is doing a pretty lousy job," a recent CNN report states, citing cellar-dwelling poll numbers for Washington lawmakers.
That blunt declaration can hardly be disputed, if one reflects on the slim accomplishments of Congress over the last year.
The 110th Congress has indeed passed 116 pieces of legislation, but it's mostly a list of resolutions declaring this or that, or designations naming federal buildings here and there.
A person doesn't have to follow Congress daily to know that it has basically done nothing this year. There's been a lot of bickering and preening and posturing, but no substantive action on major issues.
A political paralysis has gripped the Capitol, which is stunningly evident in bills pertaining to Iraq. Since taking the majority in January, congressional Democrats have forced 40 votes on bills aimed at limiting President George W. Bush's war policies. Only one has passed, and it was vetoed by Bush.
The repetitive drone of this debate has dominated congressional news for much of the year, with intermittent wheel-spinning detours into other subjects.
The debate over a federal children's health insurance program has been a trip to nowhere, with Republicans and Democrats unable to compromise so far on how much the program should be expanded, if at all.
Bush and congressional leaders tried to pass so-called comprehensive immigration reform, but were beaten back by a fierce tide of public opinion.
There is an energy bill, but that has yet to advance.
There are multiple budget bills to fund the federal government for 2008, and none have passed so far, at least without a veto.
Unbelievably, the House Democratic leadership recently announced that the House will not be in session five days a week next year. Maybe taking Fridays off is appropriate, considering the current level of accomplishment in the House.
True enough, fingers can be pointed at Bush as a big obstacle for the Democratic congressional agenda. But judging from a recent 22 percent approval rating for all members of Congress, it seems that most Americans think Congress has a big problem getting things done, period.
Come to think of it though, maybe that is a plus. It could be the start of a new congressional ad campaign aimed at "comprehensive" image reform - "We do less, so there's less mess."
Now that may be something all Americans can agree on.
Bob
Congress is a national disgrace. The sunk cost of funding these clowns is phenomenal as they produce nothing of value while opportunity costs keep increasing. Most have no honor, no decency and are a detriment to the public good. It's times like this when one cannot help but wonder if a revolution is not in order. How else can we rid ourselves of this scourge ? Replacing them piecemeal through the election process only leaves rotten apples in the barrel to spoil others.
Kalispell Native
Funny how the Inter Lake finally picks NOW to believe what CNN says. In any event, these criticisms of Congress are the most lazy, sophomoric, dim-witted diatribes I've ever read. If you think YOU could do a better job, then run for office. If not, then shut up.
mtboat
The Congress is the problem. Long ago a plan was thought up, to place into power people with like-minded goals. With money and schemes,over several generations,the plan advances. Have you heard of the CFR? Do you think Congress is free of its influence? How about the presidential election process? Congress is infiltrated with a globalist agenda.
Kalispell Native
If you think you could do a better job in Congress than our incumbents, why don't you run for office?
Kalispell Native
Oh, and your claim that you would be a better Congressman than the incumbants is the best one I've heard all day.
mtboat
Who claimed to be a better congressman than the incumbants? Did I miss something? We should definitly not sit on our butts and do nothing. I've written to Senators Baucus and Tester,and Congressman Rehburg this week. Has anybody else? Con. Rehburg, responded and Senator Tester just now responded. If everybody wrote they might really know how we feel.
Kalispell Native
MTBoat, I said if the critics think they could do a better job than the current Congressmen, why not run for office? You replied that you can't afford to run. My bad. I thought you implied you could do a better job than those you are criticizing, if you could only write a big enough check. Thank you for the clarification. I think public officials get a bad rap from critics who could never do nearly as good a job as the public servants we have now. It's difficult to step up and actually serve in public office, so that's why I appreciate people who do it -- in any political party (Independents, too). It's easy to heckle from the cheap seats.
mtboat
Thanks, I appreciate your posts alot. However not only do I not have the money to run for anything, I might not have the smarts. One thing for sure I don't have the "correct attitude"
mtboat
I just recieved a very supportive e-mail from Senator Tester. I'm very impressed with his prompt reply and his thoughts on the issue that Dennis Kucininch( D-Ohio) and 21 others presented. Articles of impeachment for V.P. Dick Cheney. I asked that this matter not be tabled(forgotten), but referred to commitee. It was referred to comittee, so we will see action sometime.
lousia
thanks Bob for your comment; it is a good one;