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After 232 years, do we really have a “representative” form of government anymore?

Unfortunately, no, we don’t.

“Your” congressman in the House of Representatives represents 700,000 other people.

“Your” senator? 3,000,000 people.

“Your” President? All 304,000,000 of us.

The federal government cannot effectively represent the people any more than a 16×16 thumbnail can “effectively represent” a 150-megapixel photo.

Both just end up being a worthless, random greyish smudge of red, blue, and green rather than showing the rich tapestry, texture, and nuance of what they purport to represent.

Federalism was the best idea since the movable-type printing press. State and local governments are still the only place where people can actually have a personal impact on changes to the law.

The federal government, on the other hand, represents us about us much under this “King George” as it did with the last one.

So this July 4, remember that the original idea was “Of the people, by the people, and for the people.” This is the day to cherish our local and state governments that implement that beautiful concept of federalism and real representation.