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 !
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.
Thank you for introducing me to Mary Norton. Had read Schlesinger's first volume of The Age of Roosevelt, and do not remember her name being in it. Robert Byrd, granted was a Senate leader, but he was very fond of saying, he worked along side the President, as a co-equal, not under him.
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.....
Honestly, the only people in DC I see today with this entrepreneurial spirit are Trump’s executive staff. It seems every week they roll out a new imaginative way to advance their agenda—sending Democrats into ineffective disarray and moderates into hiding. Tariffs by executive order, recissions, the firing of the inspectors general… Trump is skirting rules and calling Congress’ bluffs everyday.
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.
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!
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.
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 !
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.
Thanks for posting this. I had never heard of her and it’s a shame.
Thank you for introducing me to Mary Norton. Had read Schlesinger's first volume of The Age of Roosevelt, and do not remember her name being in it. Robert Byrd, granted was a Senate leader, but he was very fond of saying, he worked along side the President, as a co-equal, not under him.
Republicans “release” money that was previously approved by a bipartisan effort. This way they get all the credit for the $$ without doing any work.
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.....
Nothing's broken? Nothing needs fixing? Are you kidding?
I hope the lawmakers read, absorb and act up the position you so clearly put forth today.
Another great post, thanks
Honestly, the only people in DC I see today with this entrepreneurial spirit are Trump’s executive staff. It seems every week they roll out a new imaginative way to advance their agenda—sending Democrats into ineffective disarray and moderates into hiding. Tariffs by executive order, recissions, the firing of the inspectors general… Trump is skirting rules and calling Congress’ bluffs everyday.
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.
Much needed reminder that we have three branches of government and one appears to be shirking duty.
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!
Blackburn: would have lost in a primary!
Good riddance to Blackburn. She worked for the three branches of government:
PHARMACUTICAL, ENERGY AND BANKING!