The people

We elect a president to make decisions in the best interest of the country and I can understand that it is perhaps better if he remains a bit aloof from some things in order to make nonpartisan decisions (if that is possible.)  Everyone else should have to have personal interaction for a reasonable amount of time with those whose lives they are making decisions for.

It is much more difficult to make across the board decisions when you are personally involved with those who have to live with them.  School boards should each, separately, spend a week in the most overburdened elementary and high school of their district.  In the classroom!

Congressmen should spend a few days with a family in their poorest district, seeing how they really live, what it is like to choose between food, the doctor, and caring for a sick family member.

I am sure it would change the people who ran for these offices if they knew right up front they were going to have to get down and dirty, have to make real decisions based on real experiences, not just make backroom deals and push papers around.

The reality of any situation is much different once you are on the floor rubbing shoulders, sharing lunch, talking face to face.

We are supposed to be a government by the people for the people.