Thursday, October 21, 2010
How Should Members of Congress Vote?
This is a tough question, and if you ask me I'd say it varies depending upon the situation. The members of Congress were elected by the majority of the people in their district. Therefore, majority of the people would agree with their elected official's opinions right? Wrong. Not a lot of people take into consideration the fact that approximately fifty percent of those eligible to vote actually vote, meaning a lot of people may actually disagree with the views of their representative. Then the argument may continue with "Well if they didn't even turn out to vote, then why should they be able to have a say in the matter?" This argument could go in circles. But when it comes down to it, a member of Congress's vote is ultimately up to them. In my opinion they should set aside their party affiliations and actually research a bill in depth before they take a side on it. If I were in Congress, I believe I would do just that. Congressmen are the ones who are most educated about a bill, and they hopefully have the best interest of their people in mind. They were elected to represent them after all.
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Its sad that our elected officials have to vote along party lines because they are afraid of not being reelected, and of being ostracized by their party.
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree with both of you. Yes, it's sad the pressure put on these individuals to be elected one term after the other. Also, Deirdre i completely agree with you opinions behind how a member of congress should vote. Despite the pressures put on them by the American people and by their party in general, these members need to realize they are the only ones truly holding the position. This is their job and they are the most qualified to make the "correct" decision.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you! Members in the congress's votes are up to them! They should decide what they want to do.
ReplyDeleteI think that representatives are chosen to represent the people that elected them. the people put their trust in them to represent their opinions, and I think that they should respect that and vote with the public opinion of the area they represent.
ReplyDeleteThis really could go in circles. I do think they should vote because they have knowlage of the bills and the people, but on the other hand they can be deceptive and vote the way they think will help people. It definately depends on the situation.
ReplyDeleteagreed. i think party affiliation can get in the way of what is most important, too much of the time.
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