Wow, the articles are increasing in difficulty or my vocabulary is in need of an update. Reading George F. Will’s article “The continuing fall of federalism” required a little research; therefore, it is my contention that he is not realistically speaking to the general public. Although we may possess a vocabulary of thousands of words; in general, we do not employ them on a daily bases. This article was intended, as I understand it, to preach to the general public Mr. Will’s conservative thinking in reference to the election of Senators to fill vacant seats. Mr. Will’s article originally appeared in the Washington Post and was then picked up by The State here in SC. The State is read by almost all of our legislators and Senators, so maybe Mr. Will is actually speaking to them indirectly.
The majority of Americans are well aware of the issues that arose when Illinois attempted to fill the Senatorial vacancy left when President Obama became President. This issue is not foreign to us, but the idea of federalism is so antiquated that it is foreign to us. The comparison of a democracy to a direct democracy is also not one the majority of us are familiar with; unless of course you are enrolled in HIS 101. Most Americans would not take the time to read this article in its entirety if they were lost on the terminology, so Mr. Will’s point may be falling on deaf ears.
I am a little fearful to say this since our Professor chose this article, but why not amend the 17th Amendment? The Amendment was originally written to transfer the power to elect the Senate from the state legislatures to we the people; then, why not give it to us in total? This little side step in the Amendment appears to be another legal loophole in the wording of a bill that slid by on a vote of those who may not have read, or understood, the total content. If the idea of federalism, where a political system (we the people) defers power to someone else (our governor) is anachronistic than this policy of our governor appointing a Senator is also anachronistic. We can hold special elections for Sunday alcohol sales changing Blue Laws; why not a special election to fill an open Senate seat? In middle school I went on a field trip to the state house, I met my Senator and Legislators, and those who represented the people here in Clover where I was about to move. I will never forget what Herb Kirsh said to me when I suggested that he visit a classroom of today; “No one, not even the public I represent have the right to force me to visit a school.” Wow, he is still in office, he has out done Strom Thurmond and is still there. It is this type of thinking; the idea that representatives are there to serve their agenda that pushes people to believe in a more direct democracy. I understand that Mr. Will sees us in much the same manner as Plato did, but we are capable of determining who is best prepared to serve our needs in Washington.
I understand the example Blagojevich-Burris drawing so much attention, but that was not a fiasco due to the American people; that was a fiasco due to politicians. Four of the Senate selections after President Obama took office have been made not for the people, but for the politicians. The Roland Burris issue is well known, but what about the one in Colorado where everyone was so upset because a school superintendent who knew nothing of the political process was appointed. Senator Clinton’s seat in NY caused a big stir when Caroline Kennedy was considered and then the Governor chose Representative Gillibrand and that has been a controversy too. What about the deal that Kauffman will keep the Senate seat warm until Biden’s son can take over, is that for the people or the politicians? I am not an advocate for stripping politicians of all of their power, but I do believe they often forget who put them where they are and why. Although I may be a liberal where this issue is concerned I also am realistic and know the amendment will not pass. In order for constitutional amendment to pass it requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, and ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures.
