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Originally Posted by host
Do you think it is at all odd, that you react to what I am bringing up in these two threads, the way that you do? You've posted that you started out in Washington in the office of a senator from WV, so I think you have an idea of the chronic, higher than average poverty level in that state.
What has all of the pragmatism of the representation in Washington, sent there by the people of WV, actually achieved for that constituency since 1936? Is wealth in the US more equitably distributed now, than then? Have the people of WV achieved anything comparable to what the average man in France has achieved through the effect of his vote?
Why not? If you can't even consider it happening, how could it, ever?
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host...I learned pragmatic progressive politics from Sen. Jennings Randolph.
I think you be surprised how much he achieved by understanding that politics in the US is a matter of give and take. He left idealism to the academics.
He was the force in Congress that created the Appalachian Regional Council that dramatically improved the lives of citizens in WV....but he had to give alot to get a majority support in Congress for a region in the country that most didnt give a shit about. As a result of the programs of the ARC over the last 40years, poverty in WV is half what it was in the 60s and per capita income, while still below the national average, has increased at a higher rate than many states during that period. As a rural state, WV will also be on the lower end of the scales.
I am all for idealism and I agree with most of your concerns.....I just dont see the practicality of your proposed solutions given the makeup of Congress.