[Jim Noble]

The representatives of the American people (duly elected through a process which is THE KEYSTONE of our democracy) have been thwarted in their efforts

But my point was that they have stopped trying.

In 1937, when FDR had essentially no political opposition in the Senate, Senators from his own party slapped him in the face over the court packing plan, BECAUSE IT INFRINGED THE LAWFUL AUTHORITY OF THE SENATE.

There are many other examples.

But Congress no longer has an interest in legislating. The problem with Congress doing its job is that it's bound to piss someone off. And that pissed off someone might organize an opposition to their permanent tenure in office.

And THEN, the booze, the broads, and the bribes might go away.

[bankwalker]

The root cause of these problems is the electorate.

[Starboard]

But Congress no longer has an interest in legislating.

*****************

Lots of truth to that. But they are already teetering on the edge of irrelevancy. Not sure they will be willing to become completely inconsequential. They have to maintain some semblance of utility and power if they want to keep their “perks”. Otherwise, the money, booze, etc. might get re-directed to those who wield real power (i.e., unelected bureaucrats).