[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

Several legislators and other commentators talk about this as a symptom of deeper problems. Before the advent of cheap air travel, legislators usually brought their families to D.C., and travelled to their home districts much less frequently. That meant that they socialized more, and often across the aisle, which led to friendships or at least respect and/or deeper working relationships. It's a little harder to demonize someone you just had dinner with last night or went to church with.

Further reducing the socializing after work is the advent of instant personal communication, so when people are together they're often on their BBerries or iPhones, texting or talking, checking the news or the latest scandal or talking point -- not paying attention to others.

Face it, government works better when legislators take the time to sit back and ponder whether what they are doing might actually help or harm the nation and not just serve partisan purpose.

Politicians work for us and are paid by us, they should live in officer military quarters in DC and be subject to the same rules.

clarification

there has been corruption on both sides, Barney Frank got a slap on the wrist.

In these times it makes security and economic sense to house politicians in DC in officers quarters.

- PA online

Why was Sharon's first comment deleted?

It was 100% factual. There are many many sources to verify the matter.

Sharon, you put another one over the fence! Editors, I score you a balk.

Here's one example: Paul Ryan usually sleeps on a cot in his office.
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So you want to further isolate them from the concerns of ordinary people by cloistering them in barracks? Makes no sense.