The health care reform struggle has been a stark illustration that our Senators do not represent their constituents and, instead, sell their votes to the highest campaign contributors. So how do we, as constituents, get in on the vote auction?
Clearly, we can't match the campaign contributions that pour in from corporations. But, what we have going for us is vast numbers. Supposing each of us gave eight hours of labor to some organization. It would need to be labor that was value-added; at the end of the shift the organization would have something to show for our efforts. But, instead of paying the worker, the organization would send a check to the worker's Senator with a note:
Your constituent (name here) worked eight hours today and earned $_ to buy your vote in the Senate. Enclosed is a check to your campaign fund to purchase your vote on (issue here).
If a mechanism could be set up to do this on a regular basis we could all work, say, one Saturday a quarter to buy our Senators votes. If we all participated we could out-pay the special interests.
Of course, we might set-off a bidding war. There is something our Senators could love. Instead of just one group bidding for their votes there would be competitive bidding with money pouring in from the special interests on one side and constituents seeking representation on the other side. It would be a bonanza!
Now, all we need is some enterprising Senator to draft the legislation to set up the mechanism to make this happen. Come on Senators, get busy on this and you can double your take on every vote. And think about the fairness issue Senators. Shouldn't your constituents have a chance to bid when you sell your votes? Heck, if your vote is that important to them they ought to be willing to donate eight hours of labor to buy it.