Rotten to the Core

As if American's opinion of their government couldn't get much lower, we discover that Congress and other government officials are exempt from insider trading or otherwise profiting from information they obtain as a result of their privileged positions. Moreover, a few have been found with their dirty little snouts in the public's trough. Somehow,  they don't think that's offensive enough to demand immediate change. They are on their way home for the holidays to bask in the approval of their fellow citizens that they claim to represent.

It's enough to make a guy cynical. 

One small step towards restoring faith in government might be to repeal those odious exemptions ASAP.

Let's abolish elections

Is there anyone that believes a single US Congressman deserves reelection? Can you imagine any randomly selected group of 435 citizens could have done a worse job?
As an alternative, just suppose we simply randomly drew out 435 names to serve a two year term. They wake up one morning, open their mailbox, and there it is: "Greetings....." Just like my draft notice.
They arrive in Washington, stay at a government barracks (let's buy Watergate for them), can serve only one term, and cannot be re-elected. The simply go home. Furthermore, they may not lobby or counsel any corporation that contracts with the US Government for 10 years after their term.
Without the need for campaigning, with no need to stand for re-election, and no prospect for self promotion, they owe nobody and can devote themselves to the people's business. Wouldn't that be a nice change?