A Congress That Works For Us
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About You
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Your idea
Will you launch your idea as a business or non-profit?
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Name Your Project
A Congress That Works For Us
Describe Your Idea
Innovation
What is your idea? What makes it innovative? Why is it important?
A candidate for change is now president. He now needs institutional
change to succeed.
The most monumental changes in government occurred between 1962 and
1966. Medicare. Medicaid. Head Start. The War on Poverty. These
changes were not driven by protesters or preachers. They were driven
by a Congress that worked. One small change - increasing the size of
the House Rules Committee - paved the way for progressive legislation
to make it through the House.
It's not a secret that Congress could work better. There's too much
money, partisanship and special interest.
The 1.8 million people who turned out on the Washington Mall to
witness the inauguration and Obama's 13 million online supporters
prove that Obama has played "the game" better than anyone in recent
memory, but he needs to change the game to win. That means changing
the structure of Congress.
That's why I propose creating an advocacy group, much like Lawrence
Lessig's Change Congress, to achieve two goals. First, House members
need to serve longer terms. Second, the Senate filibuster has got to
go.
Impact
What will be the impact of your idea?
A four year term would give members a break and allow some breathing
space from two-year election cycles. Moreover, a four year term
starting with the president's would just provide some momentum and
eliminate the gridlock associated with divided government (and
remember, government is divided if the majority party has less than 60
senators and 235 House members).
Onto the Senate. Why should one member be able to stall or thwart the
will of a substantial majority, meaning more than 51 or more percent
of the Senate. It's patently unfair these days and has no bearing on a
modern, post-industrial nation.
Change just does not emanate from elections. Change comes from within
institutions. With so many new voters, it would be a shame not to see
them become vested in the outcome of government action.
This Entry is about (Issues)
People: We are looking for ideas from people who can make them happen.
This idea was once fashionable but has not been discussed for at
least three decades if not more. I have no plan to build team except
to hire an internet guru who can design and build a website and help
raise money.
Sustainability
How much will it cost to launch your idea?
It will cost $50,000 to start this idea. It requires a national
movement because it requires changing the Constitution. After an
initial launch, I plan to team up with good government and watchdog
groups to facilitate my work.
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