Evan Bayh, senator from Indiana, recently announced he would not seek reelection. Apparently this has freed him to now say what he thinks and potentially become an extraordinary senator in his remaining 11 months. I suspect if he continues to not demonize and instead speak out with common sense against the obstructionist and harmful policies that plague our government he will be celebrated.
This is a link to an editorial where Sen. Bayh talks about the corrosive impact of excessive partisanship and campaign finances along with obstructionist Senate traditions that have been abused. I highly recommend you give it a read.
Among the key points that I wholeheartedly agree:
- Congressman should make a far larger effort to spend time together instead of just demonizing each other. We should demand this from those asking for our votes as well.
- Inch towards comprehensive campaign finance reform (I’ve mentioned in the past)
- Modifying the filibuster to prevent it’s rampant abuse to obstruct the basics of government
The challenges we face today are great. However if those steering the ship are not even having civil, constructive discussions it is difficult to even begin the work needed to get our country back on track.