Prof. James Thurber Deserves Applause and Attention

Congratulations to Professor James Thurber on being awarded the 2010 Walter Beach Pi Sigma Alpha Award from the National Capitol Area Political Science Association. In his acceptance address Prof. Thurber answered the question, Has President Obama Changed the Way Washington Works? (Spoiler alert: No).

As a once, and possibly future, registered lobbyist I agree with Prof. Thurber when he says:

"Are lobbyists the major problem with the way Washington works as President Obama argues? I think not. The problems of hostility and paralysis we see in our national government is not caused by lobbyists. Washington has degenerated to the point where civic debate has become uncivil invective; analysis has been displaced by ideology. Many vital public issues are not solved, but rather stored for future partisan use. I think the disappearance of moderates or the “vital center” is a threat to our democracy. They are an endangered species and moderate Republicans must be put in the “witness protection program.

The inability of our political system - in the absence of a vigorous, bipartisan center - to address effectively such known and crucial issues as additional job creation programs, tax reform, the rising accumulation of public debt, a looming Medicare and Social Security shortfall, immigration reform, an education system that leaves still leaves too many of our children behind world standards, and serious energy and environmental problems is a scandal. The system that cannot confront these challenges will surely lack the reserves of comity and trust to face any future crises."

In his address Professor Thurber outlines several problems and solutions, including: reforming ethical behavior; reforming legislative procedure; reforming the earmark process; reforming redistricting (a favorite of mine - ed); reforming how money is raised and spent; and reforming registration of lobbyists.

Professor Thurber is a long-time scholar of Congress and committed advocate for a robust democracy. His honor is well deserved, and his advice is worth serious consideration.