Partisan gridlock has become a way of life in Washington. The Senate holds meaningless votes as each side tries to trap the other into some damaging vote on taxes or Medicare that can be used as ammunition in the next campaign. The House of Representatives passes bills that the Senate won't discuss and the President would veto if they ever made it to his desk.
So how can we make our dysfunctional government work? NPR's Linda Wertheimer will be discussing those issues on Sunday at the Saltman Center's "Peace in the Desert" lecture and she joins us to discuss those issues ahead of her visit.
GUESTS
Linda Wertheimer, Sr National Correspondent, NPR
Richard Bryan, former U.S. Senator and former Nevada governor
Erik Herzik, political science professor, University of Nevada, Reno
With 49 % of congressmen being multi millionaires do you really think they are looking out for the best interests of th emiddle class?John G –Nov 2, 2011 10:55:07 AM
Money carries far too much weight in politics, especially at a time when income disparity has grown so much. President Obama is expected to spend over a billion dollars in his re-election campaign. Sizeable donations come with sizeable influence, and comprehensive finance reform is necessary for our nation to function as a true democracy.Ben –Nov 2, 2011 10:38:16 AM
