I think you’re on to something Jerry – I’d go a step further and say that for the most part, Senators and Congressmen should stay at an office within their district and conduct national business via teleconference like the rest of the tax paying businesses in the US. We regularly have WebEx and it saves tons of travel dollars as well as encourages 100% participation as people can join from anywhere as long as there’s an Internet connection. Our elected officials are all milking cash cows in Washington DC and while their salaries are huge they are nothing in contrast to the perks and lobbying money they receive. If a representative knew they could actually be held accountable to their constituents face-to-face at the local church/parish/synagogue, grocery, or hardware store. And oh-by-the-way, all lobbyist would be limited in their ability to give money – say a dollar or maybe lunch at McDonalds or Wendy’s so they could actually interface with the folks they are supposed to be representing.

Another requirement would be a day a week in a local establishment, i.e., serving at a soup kitchen, reading stories to 3rd graders at a struggling elementary school, raking leaves for elderly folks or painting at a local residence. Probably sounds too much like serving and we all know our “public servants” have long forgotten that concept.