In polls conducted this month the highest Congressional approval rating topped out at 29%. The YouGov poll from July 21-23 had a 10% approval rating. The highest disapproval rating came in at 80%, with every poll showing at least a 60% disapproval rating. What can be done to improve these numbers?
The Reapportionment Act of 1929 set the permanent size of the House of Representatives at 435 members. Based on the 1920 census that meant one seat for roughly every 241,864 people. After the 1930 Census that number jumped to 280,675. After the 2020 census that number is 761,169. Using the estimated population for today that number is 786,064. If the House of Representatives is truly supposed to be the people’s house it needs to grow in size. One person cannot come close to representing the ideas of 786,064 people. In Delaware it is currently over 1 million people represented by 1 seat.
It is time to double the size of the House of Representatives. The new number should be 871 members, double plus one to prevent ties. Under this approach every state would have at least two Congress members and Deleware would get three. Florida would jump up to 57 seats, Texas would have 77, and California would have 104 seats in a 871 seat House of Representatives.
Adding 436 seats to the House of Representatives would provide new faces to a broken system. Only robust civic engagement can lead to a change in the current version of business as usual. Doubling the size of the House of Representatives would disrupt the way the House is currently functioning. It would present the opportunity for bold new ideas. If nothing else it will require lobbyists to spend more money in attempts to subvert the will of the people. A more representative House of Representatives should be in the interest of all citizens.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
Samuel Johnson was among the most influential literary figures of eighteenth-century England.
He achieved extraordinary intellectual distinction through his essays, poetry, criticism, and his celebrated Dictionary of the English Language.
Yet Johnson’s personal life was far from uncomplicated.
He struggled with recurring melancholy, anxiety about his spiritual condition, and profound dissatisfaction with himself.
Despite these difficulties, Johnson demonstrated remarkable generosity toward people in need.
He provided financial assistance, offered hospitality, and maintained relationships with individuals who were frequently overlooked or marginalized by polite society.
Johnson’s life provides an interesting contrast to Sydney Carton’s.
Both men possessed exceptional intellectual abilities.
Both experienced deep personal dissatisfaction.
But Johnson repeatedly converted his abilities into substantial achievements while also demonstrating compassion through his ...
