Meaning: Barber Conable, Jr. was a prominent American politician and lawyer who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and later as the President of the World Bank. His quote, "I don't think it's the function of Congress to function well. It should drag its heels on the way to decision," reflects a nuanced perspective on the role and functioning of the legislative branch of the United States government.

Conable's statement challenges the conventional notion that the effectiveness of Congress is directly correlated with its ability to swiftly reach decisions and enact legislation. Instead, he suggests that a certain degree of deliberation, caution, and even delay can be beneficial in the legislative process. This idea runs counter to the expectation of many citizens and political observers who often criticize Congress for gridlock and inefficiency.

The quote implies that the deliberate and thorough consideration of issues, even if it leads to a slower decision-making process, can ultimately result in more thoughtful and well-crafted legislation. By advocating for a certain level of "dragging its heels," Conable underscores the importance of careful and deliberate debate within Congress, which can help prevent hasty or ill-considered actions that may have unforeseen negative consequences.

Furthermore, Conable's perspective raises the question of whether the primary role of Congress is to simply enact laws efficiently or to serve as a forum for robust debate, representation of diverse viewpoints, and the careful weighing of various interests and concerns. In this sense, his quote invites a reevaluation of the expectations placed on Congress and the value of its deliberative processes.

It is important to note that Conable's stance does not advocate for obstructionism or an outright refusal to make decisions. Rather, it suggests that a certain degree of resistance to expeditious decision-making can serve as a safeguard against rash or poorly considered actions. This viewpoint aligns with the principle of separation of powers and the system of checks and balances inherent in the U.S. Constitution, which are designed to prevent the concentration of unchecked power in any one branch of government.

In a broader context, Conable's quote can be seen as a reflection of the ongoing tension between the need for effective governance and the imperative of ensuring that decisions are well-informed and reflective of the diverse interests and perspectives of the American populace. It speaks to the complex and often contentious nature of the legislative process, where competing priorities, ideologies, and influences must be carefully navigated to reach meaningful and enduring outcomes.

Ultimately, Conable's quote challenges us to consider the purpose and function of Congress beyond mere efficiency. It prompts us to contemplate the value of thoughtful deliberation, debate, and the careful weighing of competing interests in the legislative process. By doing so, it invites a deeper exploration of the fundamental principles and ideals that underpin the democratic governance of the United States.

In conclusion, Barber Conable, Jr.'s quote encapsulates a thought-provoking perspective on the role of Congress, advocating for a measured and deliberate approach to decision-making. It underscores the importance of thoughtful debate and consideration in the legislative process, challenging the notion that efficiency should always take precedence over careful deliberation. By encouraging a reevaluation of the expectations placed on Congress, Conable's quote invites us to consider the broader principles of democratic governance and the balance between expediency and the thorough consideration of issues.