I don’t usually write about politics in my blog posts (or otherwise) for a variety of reasons. I’ll make an exception for this NY Times article in which many people lament that the lame duck congress has no business making important decisions for our country.
My reaction is exactly the opposite – it is during the lame duck time period when legislators have the least to lose. Those exiting have already lost, and those reelected won’t face another election for at least 2 years. It is during this time that legislators are most likely to have the intestinal fortitude to make tough choices. Sometimes those choices are good (repeal of DADT), and sometimes they are tough compromises (the tax cut extensions). Regardless, there’s an argument that it’s the best time for legislators to govern.
I was just listening to the Berkman podcast where Larry Lessig talks about corruption with JZ. What you’re saying is pretty consistent with his agenda for reform. Lame duck representatives are elected officials who finally get to do what they were elected to do: exercise their judgment. (Now if we could just fix how we choose the best people to be in the position to do that.)
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