Balloon Boy's Folks to Plead Guilty to Charges

A follow up to the balloon boy case, in today's New York Times,

"Lawyer David Lane said in a statement Thursday that Mayumi Heene will plead guilty to false reporting to authorities, a misdemeanor. He said her husband, Richard Heene, will plead guilty to attempting to influence a public servant, a felony."

Not a shock because the Heene's have gotten their allotment of fame, as they desired, and, as further reported, they'll be getting probation. Geez, do you think their sentence will prohibit them from profiting in any way from their escapade?

Well, that's what I have to say.

Stephen M. Flatow

Expand the House of Representatives!

A short quiz from Jeff Jacoby of the Boston Globe:

1. According to the Constitution, how many members serve in the House of Representatives?
2. Why did the Framers believe the size of the House should be kept at a fixed number?
3. As of 2009, which of the following approximates the number of residents in each congressional district: (a) 530,000 (b) 700,000 or (c) 970,000?

As Jacoby points out, "Go to the head of the class if you recognized all three as trick questions." What's he up to?

Jacoby examines the disparity between districts, overall population, and, therefore, representation. A lawsuit is underway that challenges the current number of representatives.

As Jacoby says about enlarging the House,

Today's incumbents would hate the idea, of course: It would dilute their power and make them more accountable. For a congressional baron, there could be no fate more odious. But James Madison would certainly approve.

Read the full column here.

I must tell you that I have seen how the House and its members work. When the Congress is in session, nobody works harder than these folks. The problem is that the size of districts makes many of our representatives immune from outside challengers. A larger body, with smaller districts would certainly add some spice to political life.

Well, that's what I have to say.
Stephen M. Flatow