@Pdworkin:
The term “public servant,” congers up an image of police officers, firemen, or soldiers who risk their lives each day. However, a person who amasses wealth, power, and influence while on the public dole does not meet my qualifications for a “public servant.”
Congress was established with the view that its members would gather, discuss issues germane to the Republic, approve or reject proposed laws, and return to their homes and businesses. This grand concept for American public service has long since turned into a monster which betrays the public trust.
In 1857 the House of Representatives was established in the South wing and in 1859, the Senate in the North wing of the Capital. In 1879 the Capitol received electric lighting. In 1916 Jeannette Rankin was elected as the first woman in Congress. In 1932 Hattie Caraway was elected as the first woman in the Senate.
During the early years of our Republic the majority of Congressmen and Senators were farmers, merchants, or plantation owners. They conducted the nation’s business and then returned to their planting, harvesting, or businesses. As time went on, more and more lawyers came to Washington as public servants. The trend of doing the Republic’s business and then returning home continued until the advent of modern air conditioning in the 1950’s at which time our public servants made Washington, D.C. their home.
With the advent of modern air conditioning the term “career politician” became a reality. Robert Byrd leads the list in longevity having served almost 57 years in the House and Senate combined. Five others have served more than 50 years in Congress. Thirty-four others have served more than 40 years, and 85 have served at least 36 years. Presuming the United States human life span to be about 78 years, this would mean that several politicians have served most their life, and essentially all their adult life, on Capitol Hill. The Kennedys, Dingells, Rockefellers, and others have made politics a family business.
Until 1815, Congress only received a “per diem” of $6.00 a day when in session; that was “public service.” In 1815, Congress began receiving an annual salary of $1,500.00; still “public service.” As of October 1, 2006, the average retirement pension for retired congress members was $60,972.00. Congress members have free travel back and forth from their state or district and a “slush fund” of more than $1 million. They can keep all political contributions left over from their campaigns as ordinary income. How could anyone have the unmitigated gall to suggest that working 3 days each week, on the weeks they work, while receiving $174,000.00 a year, plus all the “perks” of their position, constitutes “public service?”
Congressional politicians become so mesmerized by their opulent lifestyle, influence peddling, and income potential that it becomes intoxicating. They very quickly adapt to the principal of doing that which keeps them in office as opposed to what is best for the people.
This brings us to the only recourse that “we the people” have; vote every incumbent out of office at the next election. I know, they are all crooks except mine. But that is the mindset which has this nation in its current state; mine cumulatively becomes 538 of the rascals. By voting every incumbent out of office, politicians would receive a message that would resonate for years. The President has no power to offer, vote on, or debate legislation. He can only sign or veto what Congress sends him.
Let me be clear. It is counter intuitive to presume that a Congress member needs 50, 40, 30, 20, or even 12 years to correct the mess that he or she helped create in the first place. The only solution to affect better government is to change the faces in government. Think about it!