Former U.S. reps Byron and Edwards detail state of Congress, discussion draws about 150 students, faculty

• Tweet
• 

Former members of Congress Beverly Byron and Mickey Edwards have noticed several changes in Washington since they left office.

The two shared their opinions on the state of Congress with a crowd of about 150 students and faculty gathered in the Charles V. Park Memorial Library Auditorium Monday afternoon. Byron represented Maryland as a Democrat from 1978 to 1992 and Edwards represented Oklahoma as a Republican from 1976 to 1992.

Edwards said partisanship is playing a larger role in Congress now than it has in the past. He said voting along party lines has increased and it hurts democracy.

“You weren’t elected to serve a party,” he said.

Byron said she is concerned about the number of independent voters because, once the primary elections are over, they often have to choose between two polarized parties.

One of the most frustrating things about being a congressman, Edwards said, is people generally being uninformed or misinformed about how government works. He said voters should always be skeptical about the information they receive on candidates.

Maxine Berman, Griffin Endowed Chair and Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s director of special projects, moderated the discussion. She said people today want immediate results and become frustrated when they do not see change.

“We are an instant gratification society,” she said.

Byron said people often exaggerate the benefits that members of Congress receive. This includes people believing false stories about members of Congress receiving free housing and vehicles.

Byron and Edwards agreed schools should do more to educate students about government. Byron said it is important people believe they can make a difference through political institutions.

“Everyone’s vote counts,” she said. “Don’t complain if you don’t vote.”

Traverse City sophomore Megan Gill thought the discussion was interesting and nonpartisan. She said she now has a better understanding of the powers that members of Congress have.

“I thought they gave a fascinating perspective on the day-to-day life of Congress,” she said.

Byron said she believes there will be a high turnout for the 2010 midterm elections because many people are angry with the government’s performance and decisions.

“When people are mad, they tend to vote,” she said.