Fran's Friday Forum...The UNION OF OUR STATE...!!!

Here in CA we raisewd taxes, went from a deficit to a surplus, added jobs, and managed to run contra to all the "wisdom" of the current fiscal policies of some groups.  Our economy is expanding and housing is recovering rapidly.  Different times call for different solutions.  The freeways are crowded again (not that we need another freeway someplace...).

The closer you get to the people, the more accountable government is forced to be.  City and county commissioners and school board members know that they cannot look to big corporations to fund their campaigns so they must follow the will of their constituents.  When you get up to the federal level, the reprsentatives are not mingling with the masses but are constantly being courted by professional lobbiests.  Besides the military and a few dozen tasks specifically required in the Constution, the federal government should get their hands and laws off of everything.  In my opinion the federal government should be about 20% of the size it is right now and Congress should only be a part-time job of just a few months each year.

Fran, as soon as our elected officials realize who they work for the sooner things will improve.

I agree with Gary, California had to make some tough changes but things are getting better here. Congress-wake up and get to work on a solution now! God give them wisdom.

Oh, this is a messy one.  My two cents worth is #1 Congress should only be in office for 4 years and then they must wait another 4 years to be re-elected - so they can be "real people" again. They spend half the time of their tenure working on getting reelected.  #2 If Congress passes something for the rest of the country, then they MUST do the same. No golden tickets. Whether it is Obamacare, taxes, retirement, raises, etc., they should earn what they get just like us. #3 They need to work like the average American and if they cannot get their job done, then we should not pay them.  I think hitting them in the wallets might encourage them. I am so tired of the blaming. Work for the people that you represent.  

I am with you my friend but its a pipe dream those in power dont relinquish it. Not easily and without a fight that is. Our best opportunity is at election but when all the candidates are borderline criminal what is the real option?

"Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely" - Lord Acton.

  Throw them all out - establish Term Limits.

You are asking the Feds to give up power voluntarily.....never gonna happen. WE will have to take it by force, whether that is by Constitutional amendments or revolution, we shall see.