Thoughts on Congress

Day 1,826, 11:33 • Published in USA USA • by fingerguns


This has been my first real term as a Congressman. I never really desired to hold the position before, although I did accidentally win once as a blocker a number of years ago. Nothing against Congress, really, but it always seemed like the best action was in the Cabinet. Congress was for like...talking about stuff. I LIKE ACTION! After serving as eUS VP last month, I decided to take a stab at Congress to see if maybe I was missing something.

The Feds supported me in my run and put me near the top of the list, despite my lack of experience. Feds are best. Thanks, bros.



After winning a spot, 2 things happened immediately- someone solicited me for my vote for Speaker of the House, and I was told to do like a million things on the eUS forum.

Ok well not really a million, but it was evident that pretty much everything happens there. You sign in to let people know you're alive and active, then you vote on various things, like Speaker and whatnot. The one issue that seemed to consume the largest chunk of time this month, however, was the BUDGET.

Lots to think about there, and of course different philosophies at play. Money is a bit tight for a variety of reasons. Some of it is temporary, but some of it could be a long-term problem. We really only spend money on military as it is, so what to do? Cut the military budget drastically so we can save money but leave ourselves vulnerable? Only cut it a little so we can stay relatively balanced but jeopardize our military strength? Or don't really cut it at all and do some deficit spending so we can whoop some ass on the battlefield?

We eventually came to a compromise. Not everyone was happy, but that's how compromises work.

Took forever.

But what's the rush? Apparently that was the extent of what Congress actually does, minus the in-game votes where we are essentially told how to vote on everything. I'm not really complaining about that part. The information is all available, but most Congressmen aren't going to put the work in to find it all and quite honestly we don't always have time. Being told what the 'right thing to do' is kind of makes sense considering the limitations. I tried to read up on everything I could and I still didn't get to it all and I know I missed at least 1 vote. It just slipped through the cracks.

The in-game voting is essentially keeping our MPPs going with the people we should, turning them down with baddies. Declaring Natural Enemies. Approving/rejecting donations. Pretty routine stuff. Not terribly exciting, and I'm sure once you've done this for a few months, it's easy peasy.

It seems like once the budget is passed, everyone vanishes. Now part of this could be due to the upcoming holiday, but based on comments made by other Congressmen, passing a budget marks the end of the job for the month.

There were a couple of discussions started...ways to maybe improve things and solve problems, but Congress is apparently powerless to actually do any of it. The discussions eventually stop or things have to go to a Cabinet member to put into action.



Why do I bring this up? A few reasons, really. Congressional elections are right around the corner (as always). I would like to be elected again. More importantly, though, I want to know if you think this is how things should work? Some people complain that Congress doesn't do anything. Others say when they try to do things, they always screw it up. And still others think how many Congress seats you hold as a party or how many times you've been an elected as an individual is the ultimate measure of success and power. It's seriously important.

I'm not sure where I stand yet. I'm still a noob when it comes to Congress. But I want to know more.

What should Congress be doing?

What are they actually doing?

Is it a real position of power, or is it just another medal to collect?

What makes a good Congressman anyway, considering what the actual job entails?

Other than the obvious damage the AFA does with their Congressmen, how does Congress give a party POWER?

Lots of questions and personally, I'd like some answers. Or at least get this conversation going. Tomorrow on eNPR, I'm going to talk about Congress. I would like your input. Ask your questions in the comments below, send a pm or tune in to the show at 18:00erep time (9pm Eastern). Join us in #enpr.



If you have ADD, just read the bold parts.