OpenGov - Open Government Brainstorm

It might also help to limit face to face contact with corporate lobbyists, though it could lead to even less disclosure of such events. C-Span coverage would be devalued and we'd see less debate in real time.

There are legitimate reasons for a member of Congress to abstain from some votes. I would support your idea as long as it allows the possibility for the representative to say "I abstain, and here's why ..."

I gave this a thumbs-down, but I would like to take it back. While the solution above is too simplistic, this is an issue that should be addressed.

Being physically in the building doesn't guarantee that they've "heard both sides." No one ever hears both sides.

Personally, I would like the whole system re-worked.

I want someone in Congress who represents ME for a change. That would require redefining the whole concept of "districts" and allowing more representatives per capita. Unfortunately, there's a limit to the number of bodies that can be physically present and still have a meaningful dialogue.

I can imagine a system using modern technology that would allow more individual representatives to participate without creating pure chaos.

I would say no to this for one reason:

Outside Influence - How might a polititian react and vote with a lobbiest in the same room (just off web camera) prodding and jabbing along? More concerning would be the possibility of a criminal or terrorist agent having a voting politician under diress off site.

We already have undue influence. This one was off the top of my head. There were others. Should I dig deeper?

Rep. Brad Sherman Martial Law

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/37101

Being in the building may not mean that they have heard both sides but it does mean that those who disagree with them have an equal opportunity to look them in the eye and say their piece. It forces members of Congress to be present and to listen to the roll call. To allow them to vote from another location also doesn't prevent others from casting the votes for them or for the Clerk(s) to see that the vote is accurately recorded and represents the people present. It also ignores the clause of the U.S. Constitution that says "Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties as each House may provide."

Business can't and should not be conducted without the presence of those involved. Any person who is unable or unwilling to be physically present should not be allowed to participate in a public meeting of any kind and that includes Congress.

As much as this makes sense, if it is all true and as simple as you describe (and I don't disagree that it may be). Why have a Congress at all? Why not set up an e-congress in which we all 'facebook' govern this nation?

People could post and promote bills

People could blog about the bills and 'pre-vote' bills so that only bills that have a shot of passing receive serious attention

People could then vote them into law

Voila! e-governing.

Congressmen love to walk to work. They take the time to stop off at coffee shops and other places on that walk to work. After each stop their pockets begin to miraculously bulge with funds as each special interest fairy donates. These special interest fairies or lobbyists bring corporatism to our government and their funds help re-elect those cherished congressmen to continue their special work for corporate America. Corporations help our congressmen to spend time for them so they don’t have to create a platform that would appeal to constituents in the effort to raise funds from the people. In turn the corporations control the distraction box so the people are hardly aware when those nasty congressional elections come around. Do you think this is a fairy tale, well im sorry but this is the world you live in. The reality is your representation is fictions fostered by flag wearing politicians were promises are made but never kept. The only way you can be truly represented is if you run for office your self or maintain an open source Q & A website to your politician.