The trouble with that is that you then having only those who can afford not to work serving in congress.... ....namely, only rich people, or people on welfare.stroo wrote:I have a much simpler solution although just as unlikely to ever get passed. Let's quit paying them salaries or perks. Most of our problems began when we began paying Congress a full time salary and perks.
I've got nothing against wealth. I want a ton of it myself. My problem is that a Congress made up of only rich or poor people will be completely out of touch with how their actions will affect those whose lives are not insulated by either wealth or government handouts from congressional stupidity, and will not likely represent their interests well. I'm OK with paying congress critters in the $150K-$200K range. I just don't want it to be their career. Guys like Joe Biden, for instance, have never really held down an honest job before... and he's the reason I pray daily for Obama's good health.
The reason a regular job is important is that a congressman who's never had one has no real comprehension of how budgets work, and of how their votes affect Joe and Jane Sixpack. They say they do, but they don't because they have never really had to worry about the impacts themselves. It's just lip service.
A good senator or representative does work hard, and they deserve to be adequately compensated for it. I just don't want them to think that winning an election is a mandate for self-entitlement.
Oh, and I love the list. Oldgringo, if you run for office in my area, I might vote for you.
