Emasculated Legislature

Although I'll admit some satisfaction at the steady slide that President Bush's approval ratings have taken during the past few years, it puzzles and irks me that Congress' ratings are yet lower. Not that I am a raving Congressional groupie, mind you, but it does not seem fair. The latest CBS/NYT poll puts Congress at 26% and President Bush at 30%. If we are to believe that Iraq is a major issue, then we are failing to give credit where credit is due.

Thus I was relieved to finally see a column sympathizing with rather than beating on Congress. Glenn Smith writes that beneath the frustration "runs a contempt for the institution of Congress that presents a grave threat to democracy". Since 1990 approval ratings have only twice been above 50%. Congress is portrayed as an "inept community".

We are merely looking in the mirror. The Congress is but a pale reflection of the inept community that is the American electorate. And this community, as it complains about the failings of Congress is engaged subconsciously in self-flagellation. We lurch violently through a world we do not care to understand.

Pardon me if I cannot recall the last time that a strong dose of cynicism served as a useful tonic. If you have a pebble in your shoe, rather than reflecting upon the imperfections of footwear one might considering removing the shoe and hunting for the irritant.

Cynicism about Congress is driven by excessive influence from private lobbies and partisan districting. I'm sure you have heard this rant before, but few rants are as true and attract adherents from as many parts of the political spectrum. Why not ask which Congressional leaders are pushing for change of the lobbying laws and support their efforts, regardless of what party the belong to? A few names spring to mind, but this does not seem to be a resounding issue for Americans.

Concerning Congress' inability to curb the President's proclivity to work his personal insecurities out on the world stage, we would do well to empower it to do so. No Congress will take bold action when its ratings are in the mid 20s. Our senators and representatives are cowed by nothing other than our own cynicism.