My new theory on why kids’ needs get such short shrift on Capitol Hill: transportation. Kids can’t offer Bill Frist, Harry Reid or any of the other Congressional bigwigs steeply discounted rides on cushy corporate jets.

Talk about great access! Spokesmen for companies like FedEx and BellSouth told the Washington Post recently that when a member of Congress flies on one of their jets, there is always a company lobbyist along for the ride. I guess an in-flight lobbyist is essential equipment, like those cushions that also function as flotation devices. Wonder what they find to talk about – affordable child care for their parenting workforce? In my dreams.

How can kids compete? All they have to offer is a bumpy thrill ride in a Radio Flyer. Or maybe the loan of a shiny two-wheeler. My son has an awesome bright yellow and purple model called a Huffy Maniac. With the seat all the way up Frist might be able to pedal without hitting his chin with his knees.

I’ve just been editing a story about a great after-school program in Eureka, Arkansas. The program is always scrambling for financial support, so some of the older kids tried to raise money for a trip to Washington, DC to lobby their Congressional delegation. They couldn’t raise enough, so they had to cancel the trip.

Think how much easier it would have been for them if they could have flown the members out to Eureka on a Learjet.

Send comments to susan@connectforkids.org