FreeGovernment.org is now searching for applicants for a candidate to represent the 8th Congressional District of MA, which includes Cambridge, Somerville, Chelsea, and parts of Boston.This election year, we are looking to test the political waters and make an impact by selecting one qualified applicant to run for Representative of MA's 8th Congressional District.
If elected, you will be bound by contract to act as no more than proxy for our district by voting on bills only as do online verified voters, and by introducing and sponsoring bills only through significant support. For more information on the exact mechanisms through which voting will be made convenient for all citizens, please see the FAQs on FreeGovernment.org.
Basic Requirements
- 25 years of age or older
- U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years
- Resident of Massachusetts' 8th Congressional District
Time is of the essence, so if you're thinking of applying or know someone who you think ought apply, please get back to us as soon as possible. We will be conducting interviews within the next few days, so please provide contact information and availability along with a résumé, personal statement, and any other qualifying documents to: apply@freegovernment.org.
Good luck!
11 comments:
Cool project! If only I were a little older, I would apply. What a great way to change internet action into real world politics.
If the party organizers don't have the courage to run, I don't see the purpose in following them.
haha, we're all under 25 jldugger
The other issue i find is that if we ran, it'd be too self-serving. That's definitely not the purpose of FreeGov. We're looking to find someone to represent people; FreeGovernment.org is just the vehicle, the software, the foundation allowing people to get involved in politics. I hope that clarifies the issue a bit more.
This strikes me as extreme. Isn't this like sending a robot? What value do you get out of a representative like this? Sure, you never get betrayed, but you lose the apparatus preventing tyranny of the majority.
We need better, simpler tools for representatives to communicate to their constituents. However, we also need representatives who know when to lead their constituencies and when to follow. I think you're missing the mark with the "act only as a proxy" idea.
Hi klondike. In response to:
"Sure, you never get betrayed, but you lose the apparatus preventing tyranny of the majority."
You point out an interesting point. A common fear is that majority rule will ruin everything. However, democracy being majority rule is a misconception. Modern democracy is not majority rule. Additionally, the doctrine of constitutional supremacy would prevent any bill deemed unconstitutional from being passed even if it's ruled by the majority. Constitutional supremacy itself would prevent bad repercussions from tyranny of the majority.
i wonder how the "proxy" contract can be legally enforced. Sure, s/he will lose support for the next election, but it's not like freegovernment can fire him/her once elected...
it might prove to be difficult to actually enforce the proxy contract, which makes it an important point of consideration when choosing the appropriate person for the position. however, should this candidate be elected and then refuse to follow the meta-party's advise on issues, then at least this is a Congressman and not a Senator and there can be a change in the people's position in two years time.
I believe that this is a worthy experiment in people's government and have privately thought about this concept for a couple of years. I do believe that there needs to be greater transparency in our government which is purported to be "We, the people..."
I do met all the basic requirements, and would be willing to entertain the notion of running. further background on me is available at http://eckenrodehouse.net as well as http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1L1GGXD&hl=en-US&q=n8k99 and http://www.google.com/search?num=50&hl=en&rlz=1L1GGXD&q=nathan+eckenrode&btnG=Search
I don't think this is likely to work because it requires electing candidates in districts they don't seem to represent. That contract would be the death knell for any candidate. Also our politician would lack the personal motive to fight hard for some bills. Politicians must make deals to accomplish anything.
A better idea would be to choose advisers and write bills. Advisers would need political knowledge and be able to validate bills, be able to communicate with political candidates and staff, try to find candidates willing to promise to support any bill they like - or are willing to submit to Free Government.
Bills with a handful of supporting candidates then become a (single issue) independent platform for a (single issue) independent party.
Think Rep "Contract with America" Think Dem "100 hours plan." Think (very specific) caucus.
It's much much simpler. You don't need to worry about citizenship, quorums, or (most importantly) getting that contract, (with the DOA politician attached) elected.
This is an excellent idea. I would point out that a congress person need not always be required to follow all the time. The person does not have to be a robot. There are other options.
1. If the representative had a different idea that the district, he could make an attempt to LEAD and try to convince the constituents to follow his lead.
2. The representative could be given free reign in many cases. Perhaps the district does not have a strong opinion on a particular piece of legislation. If the district shows little interest in a subject then he should follow his own instincts and conscience.
Practically, I think there will be an issue with enforcing a contract legally. However, metrics can be devised to track how well a representative follows what his district wants.
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