usnpilot Loc: Ft Myers Fl

I have enjoyed working here these past several years. You have paid me very well, given me benefits beyond belief. I have 3-4 months off per year and a pension plan that will pay my salary till the day I die and a health plan that most people can only dream about.

Despite this I plan to take the next 12-18 months to find a new position.

During this time I will show up for work when it is convenient. In addition I fully expect to draw my full salary and all the other perks associated with my current job.

Oh yes, if my search for this new job proves fruitless, I will be back with no loss in pay or status. Before you say anything,
remember that you have no choice in the matter. I can and will do this.


Sincerely,

Every Senator or Congressman running for re-election

The 2018 Elections are just around the corner.

Are we stupid or what?

foodie65

Don’t worry, Trump has promised to fix this by “draining the swamp” which he has done by bringing in his own ‘gators.

DragonsLady Loc: Los Alamos, NM

That's just plain scary. I wish we'd go back to when the elected officials didn't get paid; they still had to have an income which frequently came from their farms.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I think there is more to the job than what we see. For instance, new Congressmen are required to man donor phones about five hours/day. Despite what we would consider a good salary, a Congressman's salary is often not enough to cover the family bills back home and a place to live in D.C., which is why Congress is considering building dorms for Reps. Then again, there is the flying back and forth from D.C. to the home district to have a family life and also deal with constituents and the needs of the local offices. This is off the top of my head. I'm sure there's more.

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

SteveR's right; party thrall service, the cost of campaigning and DC living expenses are a down side to being a Congressman or Congresswoman. The argument is that the salary and perks are provided in an effort to keep the legislator from becoming dependent on lobbying contributions...yeah, how's that working?! Additionally, I believe the pension and healthcare benefits FOR LIFE are garnered after serving a single term in office. Gee...I wish I would work either 2 or 4 years and have full retirement benefits.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Keep in mind that the majority of Congress and the Senate are, or were, lawyers so they are experts in how to game the system. It's not a cure, but term limits will help.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Make them live to the rules and regs and packages they force on us -
Take away their free medical and retirement and make them live with a 401, the Affordable Care Act, and when they turn of age - social security and medicare
And then see how long it takes to get these programs fixed.

pendennis

They also have numerous committee and sub-committee responsibilities, and those are extremely time-consuming. They're also at the beck and call of the local party, despite the "power" they supposedly have. If they don't attend the local functions, guess who doesn't get local money?

The fund raising never stops, so a Representative, only having a two-year term, has to start the minute he/she is elected.

Another little secret is the amount they have to raise to serve on some of the committees. These slots are in great demand, and most have to raise money for the re-election committees just to have a seat. Chairman or vice-chairman slots usually cost $500K and upward; the most valuable chairmanships can cost north of $750K. Anyone who believes those committee chairs are strictly seniority-based, is dreaming.

I've read any number of articles about how we need term limits. That's a fine ideal. However, the real power lies in the staff positions, regardless the party. The permanent staffs often serve a Democrat when he has the seat, a Republican when he does. A new Congressman doesn't know who the contacts are to get things done. The permanent staffs have this knowledge. So, if you did establish term limits, you'd still have the same bureaucracy behind the scenes. These folks are the real "swamp" creatures.

I'm in agreement as to the dormitory concept. This should have been done years ago. This is the first time, though, it's gotten really serious consideration.

One of the fine lines Congressmen have to walk, is the amount of time they spend on so-called "national" issues, such as FBI, Justice Department investigations, and those "home" issues such as roads and other local pork. Lean too far in either direction, and it will guarantee a short career. Just ask the Congressmen who worked on Watergate.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I agree, it would be quite nice. Also, a US senator's term is 6 years.

thom w Loc: San Jose, CA

Curious as to what stimulated you to post this. My question isn't meant to be anything but a question.

usnpilot Loc: Ft Myers Fl

I got it in an email and liked it. Many people, myself included, think our elected officials are grossly overpaid for what they accomplish. It seems their goals are
Raise money
Get reelected
Keep their Party in power
That's it.

thom w Loc: San Jose, CA

I don't really agree. Actually I probably agree with some of it and disagree with some of it. Interesting post.

usnpilot Loc: Ft Myers Fl

And that was another reason

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

And all of Tramps gators are specially bred with two heads, larger jaws, longer teeth and man do they smell!!! LoL
And some have a tendency to prey on little girls!!! LoL
Fortunately most of Tramps swamp gators have a very short life expectancy!!!
SS

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Congressmen make about $175,000. The City Manager of Dallas makes over $200,000, so I don't think the salary is outrageous. What I do think is outrageous, however, is the retirement that they receive for life which does not depend upon length of service.