Today’s America is partially due to a Congress that has yet to be acquainted with accountability. And it’s not a recent ailment since this predates our grandparents. In fact, the only bright spark was during the fifties when sessions of the House Un-American Activities Committee, HUAC, were held. Since then, selected candidates have been of a more pliable nature, so a redo of the HUAC would never again be possible!
No matter the offense, effective action is often blocked or hidden under the guise of bipartisanship. It was President Washington who warned against “the spirit of the party,” for which he reasoned that they tend to dominate, and become prioritized over the country.
This ineffectiveness accumulates over time so that the eventual crippling of cultural traditions and the weakening of Constitutional adherence is attainable. One lesser example of not being so worthy of enforcement was Congress’s unwritten rule, which barred headwear. Hats were carried into the chamber but never worn. Then “the squad” appeared, of which even the legitimacy of their office remains in question. However, since their religious beliefs demanded headwear, this issue was best ignored. Their intent of office stands as a testament to their inherent disrespect for Congress and its standards!
Most importantly, there is a lack of legislation that certain events, actions, or situations should require. Usually, investigative panels and committees are formed, but their proceedings end without results. Hell, Americans are still waiting over sixty years to read a conclusive report of JFK’s killer! Then again, typical of our second-rate personnel was their Tonkin Gulf Resolution, legitimizing future policies from a make-believe event!
Our country could never be with such “do-nothings!” However, that was at a time when those in Congress were volunteer citizens who served with honesty and with the best intentions. Their expenses from serving were addressed in the form of reimbursements. Today, the same positions are filled with party selections who, once in office, work to be re-elected so that their lucrative salary continues. Along with their six-figure salary are the perks of a guaranteed retirement and free healthcare forever!
With such reckless spending, the annual price tag for this governmental behemoth now operates with an annual interest rate of approximately one trillion American dollars! A limited government is not in session. In fact, neither is an accountable one. All this was forecast by Benjamin Franklin when warning, “In America, salaries,…are extremely low…The honor of serving the people ably and faithfully is deemed sufficient.” He also said that the love of power and money is within every man; when joined, watch out!
Can we see the error of our ways? First, we need to erase one’s pursuit of a career in office. This will be when “we the people” do the selecting of who they want to be their voice in Congress. Also, instilling accountability requires that the oath of office be duly enforced. This effort will also upgrade the caliber in Congress since the scoundrel will fear an ever-present Constitutional accounting! Thus, this will reduce future wannabes! From these doable actions, accountable governing will become a reassuring reality. It’s always been “we the people” who began and could now again preserve our America!
