1,000 Representatives

[BeFree]

At a minimum we need double the number of representatives in congress.

Right now there is just 1 rep for @ 600,000 citizens.

All our problems can be tracked back to a lack of representation.

As for logistics, why couldn't congress operate much the same way we discuss things here on DU?

[LiberalFighter]

1. It's bad enough with 435 Representatives.

More would cause more problems.

We don't have access to all studies, data, and other information. We don't have staff employed to do the research. Our input is based on limited knowledge. Of course some of the Representatives have limited knowledge in more ways than one.

As for Congress operating the same way we discuss things here on DU... They do. They don't just have hearings. They have caucuses. They discuss with elected officials from their district. They are pounded by lobbyists. They hear from their constituents by letter, phone, email, fax, in office, in their district, etc.

Some do a better job. Others don't and could care less.

[BeFree]

2. Couldn't care less

Bad enough with 435? What, you want less?

If the reps did their studies in the open, similar to how we discuss things here, with us looking over their shoulders (under our microscope) they would have to watch what they did and how they voted. As it is, it's all a big secret.

Being that it's so secretive, the lobbyists can corner our reps and manipulate them. If we had a 1,000 reps, the lobbyists would be spread thin, and we'd get closer to a better and more accurate representation.