When Lobbyists Attack

http://mobile.nytimes.com/article?a=156058&f=19

I have always disliked the senate as a matter of procedural fairness. It seems like the perfect storm between the worst tendencies of democracy and autocracy - a lowest common denominator majoritarianism coupled with unbeatable dynasties of neo aristocrats.

It seems most on display in cases like this. False populism and a slick name are used to build inevitability so that a wave of disgusting riders and give aways can be slipped in. All the while the initial ailment is disregarded unless one of the modern robber barons finds a way to turn it into a multi million dollar scheme.

Interestingly the real goal of tom delay's k street project was to wrestle the mantle of corporate whore from the Senate. However, ultimately it failed because the size and vulnerability of House districts makes incumbency less of a trump card. The real test of the internet will be if it can broaden the democratic sphere by lowering the cost per contact to the point where senate seats are more contestable.