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Published Sunday, January 22, 2012 in Opinion

Home work

By Alex McRae

The Newnan Times-Herald

My folks had their reasons. After years of seeing how much trouble I could get into when I was at home, they didn't want to even think about how much damage I could inflict on myself (or others) if I were away from home unsupervised.

Panama City wasn't a bad place. But it had way too many temptations for someone like me. And my parents knew that the best way to keep someone from being tempted was to keep them away from tempting places, people and situations.

But things change. These days, Panama City looks like the Billy Graham Christian Youth Camp compared to that geyser of sleaze known as Washington, D.C.

Don't take my word for it. Just consider the evidence.

Every two years a few newly-minted politicians are elected to the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives after promising to end the graft, corruption and institutional decay Washington is famous for.

They trek to the Capital brimming with good intentions, and faster than you can say, "Pass the pork," they are infected with an incurable dose of what old-timers call "Potomac Fever," a condition marked by a sudden lack of spine and a willingness to sell out anybody or anything for the sake of staying in power for just one more term.

If your congressperson is one of the handful still immune to this disease, count your blessings. The righteous are few.

It starts innocently, I imagine ...

"Hello, Congressman Newperson. I'm Slimy Pitfall, and I represent the National Widget Association. We'd like to get to know you better, and I'm hoping we could have a bite of breakfast or lunch or dinner. On me, of course. We can't expect a hard-working public servant to pay for their own meals when times are tight ..."

After a few free meals, a few dozen rounds of free golf at exclusive clubs and an all-expenses-paid trip (or two) to "study" widget problems at lush resorts, the new congressional fish is hooked.

By then, they don't mind a bit. This explains how elected officials can go to D.C. as paupers and become millionaires faster than you can say "Sellout."

And I've got no problem with millionaires. But I have a huge problem with people who make their millions selling their votes and political influence.

Which is the name of the game in D.C. Which is why every member of the U.S. Congress needs to leave D.C. immediately and start working from back home.

It wouldn't be hard at all. With the aid of videoconferencing, teleconferencing, laptops, smart phones and secure Internet access for voting purposes, there is not a single thing a member of Congress can't do from back home in the district that elected them. Except be wined, dined and bribed by influence peddlers.

If congressional rules require legislators to be in D.C., rewrite them.

If lobbyists whine about losing access and clout -- great. Just invite them to open lobbying offices in legislative districts back home so they can be closer to their prey. If nothing else, tax receipts from liquor sales would skyrocket.

We have the technology to keep Congress at home and away from the kind of temptations none seem able to resist. The question is do our elected officials have the spine to walk away from a D.C. lifestyle that would make a Saudi oil sheik blush.

Why not ask the next candidate you see if they're willing to work from home. Then vote accordingly. Losers can always vacation at Panama City. On their own dime.

•••

(Send your e-mail comments to: alex@newnan.com )

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