Dear Source,
The key, refreshing point to Mr. S's article is that present senators regard their posts as property, not as a public trust.
There is little doubt that the people want a trimmed senate. Our senators must respond by giving the people what they want. It is wrong to second guess them. It is especially wrong to ignore a ballot referendum where people clearly expressed their will during a trip to the polls!
If the cut is a bad choice, the people will see the results and decide in 5 years that they want more senators. Then we'll try that more senators.
Right now, we know that 15 senators and 15+ million is excessive. We are learning to live within our means, moving toward self-reliance.
The point is that the legislature is an instrument of the people, and the people's will. The popular will must always be sought at the end of the day when all the machinations, dealing, and kibbitzing are done.
-Craig Barshinger
Editor's note: See Senate like a Bad Day at Black Rock for Schneiger's op ed piece.
