As the new 112th Congress gets under way here at the beginning of 2011, I figured they may need some guidance – at least those who are newly elected and open to staying around for more than one term. So here’s a list of seven Congressional New Year’s Resolutions to help get them started in the right direction.
Remember Who You Are
You are an American citizen representing American citizens. You are not a rock star, a movie star, a prince, a king, a legend, a hero, or a ruler. (If you actually are any of these, leave it behind, because in American politics it means nothing). You are no better than Joe the Plumber or Rosie the Riveter. You are getting paid well to do the job you are doing and plenty of perks come with the job. Do not let this go to your head.
Remember How You Got There
Your election may have been lined with funds from special interests, but in the end they aren’t the ones who flipped the lever or checked the box by your name. People elected you. People you know, from your community. You are accountable to them, not a PAC or some union. Don’t sell out and become a tool of special interests. Listen to your constituents – they’ll be more than happy to tell you where things stand.
Remember What You Swore to Protect
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
This isn’t something you should take lightly. The Constitution is the rule of law in this country, whether you like it or not. If you haven’t already read it, please do so. If you have, great, now govern by it. It tells you, pretty plainly, what you can and cannot do and what you are responsible for. Do your job and at the same time, don’t let others in government, like the President of the Supreme Court, do your job for you. Only write legislation that falls under the penumbra of areas you can touch. Leave everything else to the states. And only vote for legislation that falls within those same guidelines. Do this and you will do well.
Go Big or Go Away
Our country is facing big problems, especially in the area of financial stability. Little ideas and small budget cuts aren’t going to solve the problems. This country was founded by people with big ideas, like the idea that men should be free to pursue their God-given rights to life, liberty and happiness. With these rights, great men have accomplished great things, like eradicating disease, creating great technology and landing on the moon. At this time, we need leaders with a vision of future American greatness. That greatness will never transpire when we continue to spend ourselves into oblivion. A bankrupt country can’t spend itself into economic stability. At some point, we will have to pay up, either in money, forfeiture of rights, or blood. The sooner our leaders tackle out of control spending, the sooner we can return to greatness and being a beacon of hope to the rest of the world.
To that end, go big or go away. Cut federal spending like it has never been cut before. We don’t just need to trim agencies and departments; we need to completely cut whole agencies and departments. If you can’t figure out which ones, or where cuts should be made, read the Constitution, again.
Take Responsibility
If you vote for something, own up to it. Don’t play some wishy-washy game so you can tell some constituents that you voted one way and tell another group you voted a different way. “I voted for it before I voted against it” is not creative; it shows a complete and total lack of leadership. Either that or spine. Get behind an issue and drive it. Don’t let it get watered down by tacky amendments.
Use Your Position
In the attempt to cut the size and scope of government to reduce spending, there are going to be many battles along the way. The President is known for his oratorical skills and will try to paint your position is extreme or bad for America. His administration will use words like “economic catastrophe” or “government shutdown” to try to scare you into voting for bad legislation and continued funding of insane programs. Do not fall for his oratory or scare tactics. You don’t have to sell the country on your vote, only your constituents. Use your position to educate your voters on why you are right and the President is wrong. If you feel you must get the message out more broadly, work with others and stand together in a united front to communicate why your plan is best for America.
Do What Is Right
This is probably the most important and should go without saying. But too many in Congress have used their position to take advantage of the system and others. You are human and have faults, but we elected you because we trust your judgment. Don’t disappoint us by doing something stupid that compromises your ability to govern.
At the same time you’re keeping your own nose clean, do not let the ethically challenged bring you down too by trying to cover up misdeeds of fellow party members. Nothing says corruption like an attempted cover-up. If someone is screwing up, take them to the woodshed.
The last election wasn’t about Americans embracing conservatism but rejecting Democrats. You need to prove to America that the temporary trust they have placed in you is deserved. If you do your job, and don’t simply start campaigning for re-election or take advantage of your position, you may get re-elected. Even if you don’t you’ll be able to leave office with your head held high. Remember that what is right isn’t always what is popular. Washington needs grown-ups who will make those hard, right decisions, not infantile sycophants who suck up unions, PACS, the President or constituents to get re-elected.
Do these seven things and you will have a successful term as a federal legislator. Fail in any of these, and your days will be numbered.