Congress rarely votes for their constituents. Think about that. Issues important to the American people are rarely discussed in a meaningful way. Open and ethical debates are a thing of the distant past. Legislation is written by corporations and handed to congresspeople to be voted into law. Does this benefit the average American? No.

What Americans Want

Most Americans want tax reform to assist the poor and middle class.

Most Americans want healthcare at an affordable cost.

Most Americans want choice for women about their own bodies.

Most Americans want waiting periods to buy guns. Also, for convicted violent felons, potential terrorists and domestic violence offenders to be denied the ability to purchase a gun at all.

Most Americans want to stop lobbying.

Most Americans want Citizens United gone, gerrymandering fixed and campaign finance reform.

Why doesn’t this happen? Because we, the people, have lost our ability to vote out any poorly performing representative. We have to keep a careful balance of democrat and republican because ethics have gone by the wayside, democratic controls have been eroded and we can’t risk upsetting the precarious apple cart. And they know we will not vote them out, so they don’t have to bother with what we want.

We Need Brave Congresspeople

The issues listed above would greatly improve the lives of all Americans, not just the top 20%. If we want these issues to become a reality, we must put consistent and intense pressure on the most likely representatives and senators willing to enact this legislation. Look for organizations like the ACLU, the League of Women Voters and others specific to these issues to support in this endeavor. Send emails and make phone calls regularly to those congresspeople you think will listen and keep talking about the top three ways to support democratic principles – Citizens United, Gerrymandering, Campaign Finance Reform.

Together we are much stronger than any corporation. We must only believe it. Act on it.