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.