Social distancing lawmakers

“Social distancing” is now the new standard in slowing the spread of coronavirus and, it may be a great way to turn lemons into lemonade.

With the recommendation of top scientists to limit large gatherings and workers telecommuting, why don’t we apply that rule to our federal senators and representatives? Let’s face it, we have 100 senators and 435 representatives, plus thousands of their staffers all crammed into the Senate and House chambers, along with a few office buildings in the center of a major metropolitan area. That can’t be a wise idea.

Now that we have email, texting, Skype, telecommuting, and the old-fashioned telephone, there’s really no reason for any face-to-face meeting with any of those people. Make them move back to their home states and districts to set up shop. They can hold hearings and debates, and hold their votes — all via the internet. No more secret meetings, back-room deals, and phony photo-ops.

Think of the benefits: It helps the local economy. All those folks will be renting bigger offices near their homes, federal elected officials won’t have to maintain two residences, and staffers will be able to get out of the high-priced D.C. market and purchase homes near their bosses. Tourism will boom with thousands of lobbyists traveling around the country in their quest to sway our senators and representatives to their causes. Of course, now they will have to compete with ordinary citizens for a meeting.

It will work so well we should bring them home — permanently!

Al Gilson

Spokane Valley