Immanentize the Eschaton

Blagoevich selling the Senate seat held by Obama.  Caroline Kennedy seeking the seat held by Mrs. Clinton.  Joe Biden having his Senate “kept warm” for his son.  These make me consider the wisdom of the 17th amendment.

Uder the original Constituion, senators were selected by the legislature of each state.  This was to have the upper chamber of the Federal gummint be able to legislate without direct pressure from the electorate in his or her state.  Scandals (similar to what goes on in Illinois) and deadlocks in the state legislatures kept some states from appointing senators.  A growing populist movement in the late 19th century pushed for direct election of senators.  The 17th amendment was ratified in 1913.

Are we better off?  It’s hard to say.  We still have scandals (see Blagoevich) and inexperienced, politically connected folks angling for appointment (see Caroline Kennedy).  Would the legislatures do worse?  We would also be able to restore some of the federal aspects to our government.