Maybe we can get the Senate Historian to comment on the so-called Golden Age of the Senate, more golden, perhaps, for its outstanding leaders and the influence of the Senate on national policy than for any string of accomplishments. I think it is safe to say that Congress has never really been popular even during the 19th century when it was often the center of power in setting the national agenda. I think it is a very healthy thing to be skeptical of government, including Congress. In a Republic, where the power is supposed to flow from the people to their elected represenatives, it is alway prudent to be watchful of government. What disturbs me is when skepticism turns to cynicism.
Cynics tend to lose interest in making the system work.
Ray Smock, House Historian. Read our Privacy Policy Statement .