Fantasy versus reality.
James Fallow's article above talks about how our system is broken. There are the rules of Congress and there are the "rules" of Congress. For Congress to function, the "rules" are more important than the rules.
For instance, filibusters should be reserved for "big deals" not every procedural vote and nominee. The debt limit should always be raised. You campaign from the flanks and govern from the center.
Newt Gingrich began the process of undermining these "norms" as Fallows calls them. It has now reached the point where minorities in the Senate and minorities of the majority in the House can effectively destroy the legislative process.
The clear solution is institutional reform. But reforming Congress would undermine the power of those who are already powerful in Congress. It would also create the problem of Congress actually doing things, which is a real problem in some Congresses.
Ultimately, Congress depends on men and women of goodwill, but differing opinions, coming together and compromising on policy for the good of the country. We don't have that right now for a lot of reasons.
Remember Kerry's famous "gaffe" about how he was for the bill before he was against it? That is perfectly legitimate considering how bills change in the process of passing them. But it sounds terrible, and that's more important in our current politics than any accuracy that might be attendant. It is more important to be consistent than thoughtful.
There are some common sense reforms that a new (and hopefully better) Congress should look at. Limits on filibusters of executive branch appointments and district level judgeships. Getting rid of the debt ceiling as a requirement for congressional action. There are probably other things.
But first and foremost, you need a better class of congressmen.
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