OTOH, I'm not aware of a single rat who moderated, who became conservative with time spent in office.
It would appear that the institution of congress itself tends to prod their members toward leftism.
That is why I regard repeal of the 17th Amendment so important.
Until the current crop of criminals in congress are routed and in prison for treason any "half stepping" is an exercise in futility because, any "threat is not a threat unless it is viable."
It would appear that the institution of congress itself tends to prod their members toward leftism.
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That’s a very perceptive and insightful observation. Someone shoud write a book about this.
I have some familiarity with the “workings” of congress and believe you hit on a key problem. Our representatives may have been regular folks back home but when they come to Washington DC they quickly contract the “disease” known as Potomac Fever. They become creatures of the system and its culture of big government and reckless spending.
People constantly call, write and ask them for this and that special favor, assistance or program and before long they come to believe that they have to be seen as “doing something” for their constituients. So you’re right, the institutional environment prods them toward liberalism.
And then there is pressure from the media, colleagues, and innumerable interest groups, lobbies and associations. It takes a strong person to stand up to these pressures and vote to reduce the size of government.