Mr. Smith, Dr. Jeckle, and Mr. Hyde.

How do we explain the metamorphic process that occurs in a person recently elected to congress?  How does Mr. Smith goes to Washington suddenly evolve into Darth Vader?  What chemistry changes in his or her brain?  Is it drugs?  Alcohol?  Facebook?  Being away from home too long?  What is it?

I’m puzzled how elected representatives from our home districts morphs from a “champion for the people,” into a stammering glassy eyed automatons when returning back from Washington.  Mostly staring into space and droning on about most nothing.  All the while avoiding answering most constituent’s questions straight out.  Thus, necessitating hand picking one’s town hall audience.  “Please no difficult questions.  Mr. Smith is under great pressure and is about to suffer a breakdown.  Treat him gently please.”

All the while we voters have no representation in Washington.  The noble congressman has turned into a drooling, prattling receiver of many monetary gifts from major corporations.  Therefore becoming a paid lobbyist himself.  Not only do we constituents have to deal with and worry about lobbyists influencing our gentle Mr. Smith, now we have to fight Mr. Smith who also is a paid representative and lobbyist of a big corporation as well.  Bought and paid for.  Indicating big money really talks.  Actually Money barks and bites.

Do you remember the story of Doctor Jeckle and Mr. Hyde?  Dr. Jeckle made up in his chemistry lab this magic serum and when ingested turn him in to a hyperventilating, red-eyed knuckle dragging monster.  Remember?  Pretty much the same as our Mr. Smith after returning from Washington.  Well then.  Maybe Dr. Jeckle could formulate a serum that would reverse the process.  Hopefully returning Darth Vader back to Mr. Smith.  Do you think this could work?  Well, maybe not.  But a good idea anyway.