Well into the 21st century, and our third century as a nation, you might be tempted to assume that's the case. But you'd be wrong. In spite of the passage of nearly 250 years of independence, older white men continue to run the country.

The current Congress is comprised of a Republican House and a Democratic Senate. Of 435 House members, only 89 are women, far less than the third necessary to have any legislative sway. A scant 42 are African American. Only 26 are Hispanic, and 11 are Asian. In the Senate, only 18 of the 100 are women. Out of 535 elected seats, 94 occupants are brand new, or "freshmen". That means that more than 4/5 of the House and Senate have been there for at least a few years, and some of them, decades. Between both houses, 200 members are lawyers, 24 are doctors, 118 are military veterans, and 238 have a background in business. However, 28 members have no college degree. Six come to Washington from a farm or ranch. Average age - 57.

And of course, the freshman class must immediately start raising money and thinking about that next election. Will they change Washington?

More likely, Washington will change them.

(I would love to tell you how many are or were primary caregivers in their families. But I can't - no one collects the data. Apparently, while your professional career, training, religious affiliation and education are all considered pertinent to one's performance as a legislator, whether or not you have shouldered the responsibility for the existence and welfare of another human being is not similarly regarded. Yet.)

'Til next time,

Your (Wo)Man in Washington