Sadly, I cannot vote fully. In my "utopia" a rep. would be able to vote based on their conscience, AND the will of the majority of their constituents, as the two are aligned (at least in the vast majority of cases). Unfortunately, in dealing with the seriously flawed creatures known as humans, this is all but impossible. That said, I expect that MY reps. vote based on their conscience, coupled with the will of the majority of constituents (to the best of their ability), with a heavy dose of Constitutionalism. I have yet to find such a candidate, let alone elected person. This, too, is nearly impossible, when Parties have power outside of the actual election. George Washington warned us of this in his farewell address. Sadly, it is no longer taught, or widely remembered:
"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty."
" It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another."
" There is an opinion, that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the Government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of Liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in Governments of a Monarchical cast, Patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And, there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume."
Any of this sound familiar?
