An interesting post on why the bailout vote failed...

[Tex]

Originally Posted by UtahDan

True, but don't forget Federalist 10:

The two great points of difference between a democracy and a republic are: first, the delegation of the government, in the latter, to a small number of citizens elected by the rest; secondly, the greater number of citizens, and greater sphere of country, over which the latter may be extended.


The effect of the first difference is, on the one hand, to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose

It's the job of an elected rep, if he chooses to go against the will of those who elected him, to educate them and create a majority opinion among them. I.e., "refine and enlarge." Do you think that was done here?

[Venkman]

Originally Posted by UtahDan

True, but don't forget Federalist 10:

The two great points of difference between a democracy and a republic are: first, the delegation of the government, in the latter, to a small number of citizens elected by the rest; secondly, the greater number of citizens, and greater sphere of country, over which the latter may be extended.


The effect of the first difference is, on the one hand, to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose

That is very true. I just want to emphasize (not that you're making the argument) that just because the media and our leaders are characterizing this bailout as necessary for the good of the country doesn't make it so. Often times, the mob is right and congress needs to listen.

[exUte]

Originally Posted by Venkman

That is very true. I just want to emphasize (not that you're making the argument) that just because the media and our leaders are characterizing this bailout as necessary for the good of the country doesn't make it so. Often times, the mob is right and congress needs to listen.

in their districts where they feel immune do their constituents wishes?