When the Republican House majority acts as though it has a mind — and a mandate — of its own, this is not Washington being "dysfunctional," it is the separation of powers functioning as the Founders intended.
Well, sort of. A few critical distinctions, characteristically omitted by Will:
First, the Founders never anticipated the ruthless onset and agonized, democratic distortions of House-district gerrymandering for partisan gain or perpetual protection. For that matter--second--the Founders somewhat anticipated yet altogether loathed the rise of organized political parties (or what the Founders regarded as insidious "factions"). Third, perhaps more than anything else the Founders emphasized the indispensable importance of an informed, educated electorate led by enlightened and honorable men. Fourth--and this is strongly related to numbers two and three--the Founders dreaded the practical consequences of raving demagogues, who would prey--especially and more easily in circumscribed House districts--on the nation's most ignorant. And fifth, the Founders certainly never foresaw a U.S. House brimming with virtually psychotic, nihilistic, hostage-taking ideologues.
Other than that, Mr. Will, your delicate abstraction is a nice one. Very nice. Good boy.
Excellent insight. An informed electorate. . . the media has shown that they don't intend to inform us. Psychotic no nothings in charge. As if science and logic don't exist. Scarry times.
Posted by: KB | November 29, 2012 at 12:29 PM