It's the whip, not the rod
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Editor,
Bob Hanson's letter in the March 18 Journal is right on. We both have the same problem with our Congressmen: lack of response.
It is frustrating to see our Senators vote for something that most of us are against. Why do they do it? Blame it on the Whips. We've all heard references to the Majority and Minority Whips and occasionally a Deputy Whip.
So what exactly is a whip, and what does he do? He enforces the party line. In the New York Times, Nov. 19, 2006, Sarah Wheaton said, "He is the enforcer. And the favor bookkeeper. And the rules wonk. And, if you’re a congressman or woman, he might know even more about your district than you do. Cross him at your own peril."
The whip enforces rigid party loyalty, threatening members who resist voting for the leadership’s bills with loss of committee assignments and campaign funds. They have even sponsored opponents in primary elections to unseat uncooperative members.
So you thought our elected officials worked for us, did you? Ha.
Jon Tester eagerly waited two years to get on the Appropriations Committee (Jon says, "... one of the most influential committees in Congress"). Do you think he would jeopardize that coveted seat by voting no on health care? Like Bob, I too, would like to see Jon moderate and succeed in the Senate, but until we can get the Whip off his back, I don't think he will listen to us.
What can we do about it? Here is a suggestion: when you call Congress, call the whip at the same time, and politely suggest that if they don't stop bothering our Senators or Representative, you will seriously consider a campaign donation to that whip's opponent in the next election.
Other ideas, anyone? As constituents we must get more active; make Congress work for us.
Dale P. Ferguson
Polson
