Why are Government is broken....

Ok, our government has issues, but it really isn't broken. Just very far from perfect. Here's an article I first saw highlighted in USA Today's "On Politics" section, and then linked over and read the full article at the Politico. I'm not hip to the leanings of all news sites (other than Fox = more conservative, MSNBC = more liberal). Regardless, I'm sure there is a little truth behind these articles.

For those not choosing to read them, here's the gist. Republicans aren't "whipping" (ie, pressuring to vote party lines and with the President) their membership in Congress on many issues. The reason: to win re-election in November, so the GOP doesn't lose (or loses fewer) seats.

Here's the problem I have. Shouldn't members of Congress be voting their own conscience, and look out for the best interests of their constituents all the time? Isn't this the whole idea of our representative government? I vote for someone who will go to Washington and then support the values/ideals of the community who elected them (determined by surveys and discussions). I understand the reason of the party system. Group similar-minded people and pool resources. It makes sense. However, you should still do the job you were elected to. That is, if you are a Republican from a very Democrat minded area, you should still support Democrat legislation, regardless of your parties leadership. The same is true on the other foot. A Democrat from a primarily Republican district, should support some Republican legislation. I support some areas/issues where the Representative/Senator votes their mind regardless of their district, but they should do more than just toe the party-line.

The fact, that members are being encouraged to vote for their constituents only to get re-elected is dumb. The member should be voting that way all along, not just before (or in) an election year. The Congressman should vote for the constituents because that's why they were elected.

I'm not sure what the answer is. Doing away with the two-party system? That likely brings up more problems than it helps. Not toeing the party line is a quick way to find oneself without funding, and without support. Maybe we just need more politicians that aren't out for themselves, but are honestly interested in voting the mindset of their district/state.

Our government has issues...too bad their aren't any easy answers.

My New Phone

My 2-year contract with Sprint expires at the end of this month. Because of this fact, I'm due a fair amount of discounts on a new phone and a new plan. I've definitely wanted to upgrade my phone for a while now. My previous LG flip-phone was ok, but it had some issues with signal strength and call quality. It's possible this new phone will have the same issues, but it has enough bells and whistles to overcome those problems. So, I've opted to stay with Sprint (the nights/weekends starting at 7 pm is too good to change), and am now sporting the Palm Centro.

The main reason for moving to a PDA/phone was in case I return to working in a pharmacy. This way, I don't have to carry both a phone and my PDA. I now carry my drug references with me wherever I go. I can now also use it for a date book, and might stay more connected on important things. Of course, I'll probably fail to do that, and just wing it most of the time.

I just picked it up yesterday, so it's too early to tell how well everything works, but the early impressions are most positive. It feels good and is fun to goof around on. It has a camera of decent quality, so I might actually get those pictures of my new abode posted at some point.

The real kicker, and what makes it such a great deal. I'm getting a $400 phone for $50 (well, $150, but I'm entitled a $100 rebate). That's a deal I couldn't pass up.

Anyway, I'll try to post more regularly now that things are getting settled at the new pad. Alrighty, enjoy your week.

Moving is Tiring

I know it's been quite some time since my last update. And for that I apologize, but I do have some great excuses. First, last week I was sick. Sunday night started feeling poorly and it got worse. Went to the doctor, fever of a 102, diagnosed with sinusitis/bronchitis. After a course of antibiotics (which probably didn't really help), and getting some rest, I'm finally feeling decent (up through this past Saturday I was still feeling illish). Secondly, I've moved this past weekend. The week leading up to it (while sick) required me to pack and get things prepared to move. So, please understand my delay in posting.

I'm getting settled in the new place. I've moved in with a friend of mine and two of his buddies. Early indications are that things are going to work out well. I really need to take a whole day of getting everything put in its place. Regardless, my water bed is up and going, so I'm relatively content. Right now, the biggest pain is not having cable TV or internet. The Comcast guys are supposed to be swinging by this coming week/weekend.

I'll try to get a picture or two of the new pad posted in the coming week(s).

Until next time....stay frosty.