“I will add, as a fifth circumstance in the situation of the House of Representatives, restraining them from oppressive measures, that they can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as on the great mass of the society. This has always been deemed one of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the rulers and the people together. It creates between them that communion of interests and sympathy of sentiments, of which few governments have furnished examples; but without which every government degenerates into tyranny. If it be asked, what is to restrain the House of Representatives from making legal discriminations in favor of themselves and a particular class of the society? I answer: the genius of the whole system; the nature of just and constitutional laws; and above all, the vigilant and manly spirit which actuates the people of America — a spirit which nourishes freedom, and in return is nourished by it.

“If this spirit shall ever be so far debased as to tolerate a law not obligatory on the legislature, as well as on the people, the people will be prepared to tolerate any thing but liberty.”

It’s too bad that the “vigilant and many spirit” is today represented by the likes of Sanders and Trump, but there may be no doubt that the people of America are now “actuate[d],” not least by the achieved reality that our leaders operate under different rules* than they impose on the rest of us. While “Publius” might disagree in the details, were “he” observing this presidential campaign, I respectfully suggest that he might readily cheer on the groundswell of spirit thus displayed.

* note here, for another example: http://dailycaller.com/2016/02/10/could-congress-obamacare-exemption-be-in-trouble/

Hastings was impeached from his position as a Federal judge in 1989, but that didn’t stop him from being elected to his current position.

(http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Impeachment_Hastings.htm)

Back in the present, if Hastings can’t find the money to pay for staff, maybe he should lower the salary of his girlfriend whom he has employed since 2000 and has made over $2.2 million dollars off of taxpayers.

http://freebeacon.com/issues/dem-lawmaker-maxes-salary-for-girlfriend/

Bob wins the comments for today. Original reference for those who don’t get it: http://is.gd/2ZaWtS

Bob