Legislation Without Representation
President Bush is asking for more money to continue the war in Iraq. In order to get that money it must be approved by our elected representatives. Every poll I have seen indicates that 67% to 75% of the American people want to see the war come to an end. If this is the case then we should see about the same number of representatives voting to end the war. Yet we only see about half who are willing to take that position. Either the polls are wrong or our elected representatives are not doing the job for which they were elected. I am not a big fan of polls, but given a choice of these two scenarios I'd have to say our representatives aren't doing their job.
Those in Congress are supposed to be the voice of their constituents. They are not there to impose their will, represent their party, or special interest groups. If the viewpoint of a representative opposes that of his or her constituents, then it is that persons job to change the view of those who disagree. If they are unable to change public opinion the representative must vote for the constituent's viewpoint even if it opposes their own. I realize this is a difficult thing to do, but to override your constituents is legislation without representation. Ironically, it was taxation without representation that angered the colonists and led to the American Revolution. I hope we the people can get just as angry about legislation without representation and that it leads us to do something.
How long do you think it's been since our representatives HAVE done their jobs? I was raised to believe that my vote counts and that you have to stand up for what's right. It's hard not to throw in the towel because it's almost impossible to find someone who really wants to make a difference for the people! Everytime you turn around another senator or congressman is being accused of something. Is it possible that we have just become numb to it? I mean, no one even seems to be shocked anymore when the latest scandal breaks! That's what I think is the real shame.
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Kristen, you are correct, it is almost impossible to find someone who wants to make a difference. Even worse than no one being shocked is when we re-elect those involved in the scandals.
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I still see taxation without representation happening, how were they able to raise our sales tax by 1%? I don't understand how that happened, everyone I talk to about it is not happy about it at all. We are taxed over and over, payroll tax, property tax,capitol gains tax,inheritance tax,sales tax...over and over. If your a small business owner, it gets even worse with all the fee's and insurance requirements. It's no wonder people are always looking for ways to get "around" the system.
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Taxes are a part of legislation without representation. Unless a majority of citizens were for these taxes, they were approved by legislators who weren't representing the interests of the people. As to looking for ways to get around the system, it is sad that this is happening. Maybe if we all work together to fix the system, we will have a system where there is no need to find ways around it.
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