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Kathleen Weber's avatar

I want to dig Mary Norton up and hitch her up to a strong electric battery and shock her back into life. We need that woman.

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Aeden Dalena's avatar

Yes, I have the impression that giants once walked the Halls of Congress. I also have the impression that smaller giants faithfully attended the voting booth. Both are probably nostalgia on my part. But I have almost NO faith in the folks that walk the Halls of Congress now. You are so refreshing Gabe. THank you and keep it up !

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Connie Mueller's avatar

Republicans “release” money that was previously approved by a bipartisan effort. This way they get all the credit for the $$ without doing any work.

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Judy Parrish's avatar

Here's where I depart from most analyses: I don't think legislative effectiveness is necessarily related to the number of bills introduced. When something isn't broken, don't fix it. Congresscritters head to DC convinced they have to DO SOMETHING. That is how we end up with tax codes that, if printed, would sink an aircraft carrier, with laws that contradict each other, with welfare programs with so many exceptions and waivers and set-asides that even rich people can figure out how to take advantage of them. Not to mention pork. Etc., etc. To me, legislative effectiveness would be a reduction of the size and complexity of government. Of course, that would take more bills.....

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Kathleen Weber's avatar

Nothing's broken? Nothing needs fixing? Are you kidding?

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DerekF's avatar

I think it is important to note that Robert Caro points out in his biography of Lyndon Johnson, that Johnson introduced almost no legislation in all of the time he was in the House. It would be hard not to call him a giant, despite his general disinterest in legislating.

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Pam Reese's avatar

Thanks for posting this. I had never heard of her and it’s a shame.

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Evan Kasakove's avatar

Another great post, thanks

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SC's avatar

Thanks for the valuable history Gabe. But Mary Norton would not be elected today. She would have been turned into a cartoon or called a communist to thrill the masses. Pocahontos is an effective legislator. Twitter heros aren't. No need for nostalgia, take action. Wake Up shows you there are legislators today we need to support. Democracy is in danger people. Everyone needs to wake up literally.

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Rosemary Ford's avatar

Much needed reminder that we have three branches of government and one appears to be shirking duty.

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Rick Schulte's avatar

Thanks, encouraging that some members of the GOP are bucking Trump at least to release funds they already had voted to give out. Too many of them fear losing their seats by doing so. We need more Nortons!

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Michael Bower's avatar

I hope the lawmakers read, absorb and act up the position you so clearly put forth today.

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Finn Frock's avatar

Blackburn: would have lost in a primary!

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Finn Frock's avatar

Good riddance to Blackburn. She worked for the three branches of government:

PHARMACUTICAL, ENERGY AND BANKING!

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