Given the fact that Michael Smerconish is a demonstrably ethical leader and lawyer, as well as journalist, author, and philanthropist, I was honored when he invited me to write about “ethics, leadership, and law.” Independent studies say he’s among the most objective and balanced voices in media. His most recent book—Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right: American Life in Columns—suggests why, as does Smerconish (CNN’s 5th-largest audience), and his daily slot on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel, where (as he puts it) he also “gives voice to the exhausted majority.”
Here’s my modest majoritarian offering:
Time to Toss the U.S. Constitution into the Recycling Bin
Happy Independence Day from The Leadership Collective.
Eric
Thanks for the thought provocing proposal. If I saw this article title almost anywhere else than Smerconish.com I would possibly have passed thinking it some sort of goofy clickbait.
I disagree with the proposal. As a design engineer I am always faced with designing something to be dummy-proof and the dummies just keep getting better. So, even with 2023 updated rules and agreed-to guidance the people we continue to elect to the two Executive Branch posts and 535 Legislative Branch posts I fully trust will find new ways to not do their elected job.
Having said that, I think we need to elect new leaders like the three you suggest. The present D & R leadership will eventually die and more capable and more able to avoid temptations of office people need to get into the party leadership positions. Here is the core root of the probelm. McConnels, Pelosis, et al turn blind eye regularly as they are party before country.
I think there are good newer elected Fed legislators. At least mostly authentic. MJG, Boebert, AOC, ... types get the press. Others are doing real work. They just get cattle-car'd into following the causcus leadership. They all need to be and act more independent. A powerful mixed party Problem Solvers Caucus could stand up to their respective leadership when "If you don't vote this way, no committee assignment for you" happens.
Very interesting, Eric.... I truly believe that we need something to bring "honesty and reasonableness " back to our day to day affairs. I personally love our constitution but must admit that I am shocked at how low the percentage of the document that is used in today's discussions. It seems as if a large amount of people have certain parts of the document which they hold in high regard at the expense of the ideas contained within....
In order for the U.S. Constitution to work we need a few more statesmen (is statespeople a term...) and a few less extreme politicians.