This simple solution is practical, non-ideological and inevitable: Post all proposed legislation on the Internet for 72 hours before it can be brought to the floor. Republican NEW YORK TIMES columnist David Brooks calls this idea "the best reform they could do." Here's how it works and why it's the only answer...

PRACTICAL: Thousands of business leaders, state and local officials, journalists and interested citizens will read the bills and sound the alarm if they find any shady provisions. Americans can listen, decide for themselves and tell Congress if they are concerned. All regular legislation would be covered -- regular laws, and spending and tax bills. But declarations of war and other special resolutions would be excluded. Even for regular legislation, a two-thirds majority could waive the 72-hour rule when needed in rare cases. There would be no exceptions for the end of the session when the worst bills try to rush through.

ENFORCEABLE: Today, enforcing the rules is an insiders game and waivers are easy. But, when the legislation is online, unjustified waivers will be protested by thousands of people, not just a handful of members of Congress who have no power.

NON-IDEOLOGICAL: This mainstream idea has also been endorsed by ROLL CALL, the local newspaper of Congress. Is there any honest political philosophy or movement in America today that is against public scrutiny of new laws, regulations, spending programs and taxes? This sunshine will scare off many crooked lobbyists and protect politicians against the temptation of corruption. It will reduce wasteful spending and budget deficits. Most of all, it will restore order and dignity to the U.S. Congress.

INEVITABLE: Americans do almost everything else on the Internet -- buy mutual funds, plan weddings and run businesses. Why shouldn't our democracy be modernized a little so that citizens can see proposed legislation? This will happen. The question is which politicians will lead this reform.

Americans of all political perspectives can agree on this reform.
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