Returning Congress to “We the People”

The Voting Alert Beacons’ core focus and central emphasis point toward Americans as “WE THE PEOPLE.”  The government is subservient.  America was built on the principle that government belongs to the people.

Consistent with these founding and historic principles, our early tradition of the “CITIZEN LEGISLATOR” envisioned public service as exactly that—service. Citizens would leave their communities and professions, represent their neighbors in Congress, and eventually return home to live and work under the laws they helped create.

In recent decades and years, Congress has taken on a different cloak.  It has become a class of its own:  a professional elite. Congress should once again look more like public service and less like a permanent profession.  

It is time to refresh the original idea.  A Congressional Reform Act could be built around five simple principles:

1. Establish Reasonable Term Limits

Serving in Congress should be an honor and a period of public service—not necessarily a lifetime occupation. Reasonable limits on House and Senate service would regularly bring new experience, new thinking, and new voices into Congress.

2. End Special Congressional Retirement Benefits

Members of Congress should participate in retirement systems comparable to the Americans they represent. Public service should not create a special lifetime financial reward simply for holding elected office.

3. Stop Members of Congress From Trading Individual Stocks

Members routinely receive information and participate in decisions that can affect industries, companies, and markets. Congress should establish clear rules to prevent members from using public office—or even appearing to use public office—for private investment gain.

4. No Budget, No Pay

One of Congress's most fundamental responsibilities is funding the government. If Congress fails to complete its budget and appropriations responsibilities on time, members should not continue receiving their congressional salaries as though they had completed the job.

When Congress fails and a government shutdown occurs, members of Congress should experience the financial consequences along with the federal workers and American families affected.

5. Close the Revolving Door

Congressional service should not become a pathway to cashing in on relationships and influence immediately after leaving office. Strong restrictions on former members lobbying Congress would reinforce a simple principle: congressional office is a public trust, not a business-development opportunity.

None of these ideas belongs exclusively to Republicans, Democrats, or Independents. Members of both parties have already introduced versions of many of them in Congress.

Let’s bring this back to where we began.  The larger principle is more important than any particular bill:  MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WORK FOR US.  They are not a separate political class. They are citizens temporarily entrusted by other citizens with extraordinary responsibility.

A Congressional Reform Act could help restore that relationship—refreshing the citizen-legislator tradition and reminding every person elected to Congress that the Capitol belongs ultimately to “WE THE PEOPLE.”

Voting Alert Beacons are a framework for making your best decision when you vote.  Take your concerns with you as you listen to and talk to candidates, and use the BEACONS as a guide.  

When you vote for a candidate for Congress, ask the following five questions about Congressional reforms.

1. Will you support reasonable congressional term limits?
2. Will you reform congressional retirement benefits?
3. Will you prohibit members from trading individual stocks?
4. Will you support No Budget, No Pay?
5. Will you close the congressional lobbying revolving door?

Then listen carefully to the answers.

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR BEACON.  MAKE IT COUNT.

. . .  Remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They have always been and will always be.

David

Copyright © [2026] by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

THE BEACONS CREED (A Promise for Civic Integrity)

I believe democracy is not sustained by institutions alone,

but by the character of the people who participate in it.

I believe the right to vote is sacred,

not because it is granted by law,

but because it is earned by responsibility.

I believe my voice matters,

and so does the voice of every other citizen,

especially those with whom I disagree.

I will seek truth before opinion.

I will verify before I share.

I will think before I react.

I understand that freedom without responsibility

leads to chaos,

and responsibility without freedom

leads to oppression.

Democracy requires both.

I will listen before I judge.

I will listen to understand, not to defeat.

I will respect differences without surrendering principles.

I recognize that elections are not battles to be won,

but moments of collective decision

that shape the future of our nation.

I will honor the privacy of the ballot,

because secrecy protects courage

and preserves independence of thought.

I acknowledge that money, media, and influence

must never outweigh honesty,

and I will remain vigilant against distortion and manipulation.

I will treat voting not as a transaction,

but as an act of public service.

I will resist cynicism,

for cynicism weakens democracy more than disagreement ever could.

I will protect the dignity of citizenship,

in myself and in others.

I accept that democracy is imperfect,

not because it fails,

but because humans are imperfect.

Its strength lies in our willingness to improve it.

I choose to be a Beacon.

A Beacon of clarity in confusion.

A Beacon of honesty in noise.

A Beacon of responsibility in freedom.

A Beacon of listening in division.

A Beacon of courage in silence.

I will stand for truth without cruelty,

for justice without arrogance,

for participation without fear.

My vote is my voice.

My conduct is my legacy.

My integrity is my contribution.

This is my Creed.

This is my responsibility.

This is my light.

By David W. Wygant 

NOTE:  This "CREED" captures the content and spirit of the Voting Alert Beacons I started this blog in 2012, and it has spanned four Presidential elections and three midterm elections. Please give it and its contents serious time and reflection.

Copyright © [2026] by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

 

MEDIA MATTERS - 4th Branch Restoration

 From the founding of America, a free press has been seen as vital to a free people and an honest/effective government for and “By the People.

The traditional or “mainstream” media has evolved far from its news reporting role to an editorial or opinion platform.  Commentators publish information as if it were news, when in fact, it is biased politically and not entirely fact-based.  This is more the rule than the exception.  Additionally, within the mainstream and legacy media groups, published information is consistently left-leaning.

A great return to high standards is needed.  The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) (https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp) has a clear and comprehensive “code of ethics.”  

The major categories of the standards are:

• Seek truth and report it
• Minimize harm
• Act independently
• Be accountable and transparent

Members of the SPJ believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair, and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity.

A return to these standards would be a tonic for governance in America.  “We the People” and our elected public servants would do a better job.  Honesty and public service would be refreshed.

In the next Voting Alert Beacons post, I’ll address steps that “We the People” can take to save and resurrect our “4th Branch of Government” to its rightful place in the American Democracy.

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They have always been and will always be.

David

Copyright © 2025 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved. 

 LISTEN-To Increase The Volume Of Our Votes

Beacons of Common Sense

We consider free speech to be our most fundamental right, and it should remain so. It is first on the list of Amendments for a reason.  However, there is also a required connection.  We have a responsibility to listen.  While the listening responsibility isn’t explicitly mentioned in the US Constitution, it is nonetheless a critical 50% of the equation.

Why? Listening means we are willing to change.  We must be willing to let the other person, argument, or viewpoint change us.  To think otherwise is not to listen.  If we all come with a commitment to listen, we will indeed meet in “the middle of the road,” and we will build a powerful COMMON SENSE FOR AMERICA.  Then, when we vote, we’ll all have confidence that the best decisions are made.

So, it’s time for us, “WE THE PEOPLE,”  to quiet our voices and become calm. It’s time for “WE THE PEOPLE” to increase the volume of our VOTES.  Whether we are liberal or conservative, left or right, man or woman, young or old, no matter our color, no matter our custom, no matter where we’ve come from, no matter our language, no matter our religion, no matter our sexual orientation, and no matter what divides us or makes us different from each other, it’s time for all of us to put aside these labels and create a label-free zone for all humans.  

It’s time to return to our founding principles as Americans in the United States of America, and in this great return, take a greater step forward.  It’s time for each of us to awaken our sense of CIVIC responsibility and become “WE THE PEOPLE” again.

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They have always been and will always be.

David

Copyright © [2025] by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

ETHICAL, HONEST, AND KIND BEST PRACTICES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

 AS A PERSON

Integrity & Honesty
Share information that is accurate, verified, and from credible sources (Personally check it).
Avoid clickbait, misleading headlines, or exaggerated claims.
Correct mistakes openly and quickly if you post inaccurate information.

Respect & Kindness
Treat others as you would in a face-to-face conversation.
Respond to disagreement with civility, not insults.
Refrain from harassment, bullying, or piling on in group attacks.

Empathy & Compassion
Remember, there’s a real human on the other side of the screen.
Consider how your words might affect someone emotionally or mentally.
Support people who are being unfairly attacked or marginalized.

Positive Contribution
Share content that informs, inspires, or helps others, not just content that outrages.
Give credit to creators and sources—don’t plagiarize.
Promote inclusivity, diversity, and voices that aren’t often heard.

Privacy & Boundaries
Respect personal and private information—don’t share without consent.
Avoid doxxing, shaming, or exposing private details about others.
Be mindful of oversharing your own information as well.

Constructive Engagement
Ask questions instead of assuming bad intent.
Acknowledge good points from others, even if you disagree.
Focus on ideas, not personalities.

AS A CITIZEN

Digital Citizenship
Model the behavior you want to see online (Lead with thoughtful and kind understanding).
Report harmful or illegal activity when you see it.
Use your platform responsibly—consider the impact of amplification (likes, shares, retweets).
Participate and act like a fair-minded and mature human being.
NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE.

Mindful Use
If you can’t positively contribute in some way, don’t post anything.
Reflect before posting: “Is this true? Is this kind? Is this necessary?”
Don’t feed trolls; disengage from bad-faith arguments.

Civic Responsibility
Engage respectfully in political or social issues without demonizing others (focus on the issue or policy, never on the person).
Support constructive dialogue over polarization (if you disagree, constructively offer alternatives).

AS A LEADER

Gratitude & Encouragement
Thank people for their contributions and insights.
Encourage others who are trying to share positively.
Celebrate achievements, creativity, and community successes.

Beacons of Common Sense

American Privilege

8/21/25

Aspiring, working hard, and stretching beyond limits are core to human nature.  The sparks of curiosity and drive are in all of us, and through the many years, they have driven mankind to survive and flourish.  There are few qualities more American.  They are core to the American Dream.  They point to a bright future for "We The People" and the rest of the world.  President Reagan often referred to America as a “Beacon of Freedom and Opportunity.”  As Americans, we all share this Dream and see it as a common privilege.  It frees us to pursue our dreams.  The resulting aspirations and achievements are personal and only limited by our abilities and drive.  

Today, this privilege is frequently confused with a historically attained advantage.  Or, by denying another person something through wrongful or illegal acts.  Probably the most commonly referred to privilege is white privilege.  We are led to believe that privilege knows skin color, when in fact, privilege is really color blind.  Whether we are liberal or conservative, left or right, man or woman, young or old, no matter our color, no matter our custom, no matter where we’ve come from, no matter our language, no matter our religion, no matter our sexual orientation, and no matter what divides us or makes us different from each other, it’s time for all of us to put aside these labels and create a label-free zone for all humans. In America, there is only American privilege.  As Americans, we are all privileged.

Our most crucial privilege is voting.  We all share this privilege as citizens in America.  Each vote is equal to every other vote.  "We the People" all bear this right and responsibility.  It is the core reason that no matter who we are or where we come from, all of us have the freedom and liberty to become whatever we want and reach as high as our effort will allow.  For each of us, this American privilege points optimistically to the future. 

So, if you are an American citizen, your future is entirely in your hands.  There are steps you can begin taking immediately.  Take them!

Step 1:  Personal-Look in the mirror.  What are you doing with your privilege?  It’s a gift.  Your responsibility is to make the most of it for yourself, your family, your community, America, and the Human Race.

Step 2:  Family-Pass on a legacy of privilege.  A legacy of honesty, hard work, and fulfilled responsibilities.

Step 3:  Community-Do public service and give back.  Use your privilege to help others.

Step 4:  VOTE!  Use your most important privilege and fulfill your most critical responsibility for yourself, your family, and America.

Copyright © 2025 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.