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Among the problems that have led to the present "crisis administration" is the accretion of power in Washington, DC. These United States are decaying into The United State. The effect is seen most profoundly in the Legislative and Executive branches, though the sheepishness of the Judicial branch dumbly rounds out the problem.
The Sixteenth Amendment of February 3, 1913, short-circuited the political chain of command, permitting the Congress to tax individuals. This is foundational to the contemporary situation where small numbers of officials make decisions in committees that have profound economic impact on people of other constituencies, a watered-down version of taxation without representation.
During the 2008 campaign, it came as no surprise that the Democrat candidate favored a government solution to "the sub-prime mortgage crisis." It was a profound disappointment that the Republican candidate offered to have the Treasury Secretary take charge and work with banks to pursue relief. State Governors: chopped liver?
I've three specific suggestions to offer, a la the Federalism Amendment:
- Every Congress must win approval from two thirds of the state legislatures in the 18th month of the Congress, or none of the members of the Congress are permitted to run for re-election for their current seat. Obviate the prisoners dilemma of voters, who, under the current rules, are inclined to build seniority by re-electing nitwits.
- All committee assignments in the Congress shall be randomized. Sequential assignments to a given seat disallowed. Bring fresh eyes to problems. The certainty of turning over the job to an unknown pair of eyes motivates integrity.
- Strike Amendment 16. Congress decides a budget. Bills the states. States failing to deliver have a sales tax to make up the difference applied. The Federal government is disallowed deficit spending except in case of declared war.
-- CLS
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