A Solution to the problem of Big Government

I got a letter in my email today. I have been pretty vocal lately about my inability to support our nation's congress when they care more about their political careers as opposed to their constituents. It has come to pass that people who serve in congress are judged more on the earmark spending they accumulate for their districts rather than what they accomplish as a whole in the House or Senate chambers. The partisanship in our country has reached a boiling point, with nothing but finger pointing and yelling on the daily minutes of congress. I have stressed this point to a number of people that I talk politics with and they are present me with a simple question: How do you fix it?

It seems nobody really wants to do what is necessary to fix the problem. Last time I checked, a member of the U.S. Senate raked in roughly $174,000 per year. So, a few senate terms later, and you may have accumulated well over a million dollars of taxpayer money. Every six years, they just have to stand up there on the pedestal and say how much of the federal budget they got allocated to build new schools and playgrounds in their respective states, and everybody says they are doing a great job, doesn't really pay much attention, and re-elects them for another term. I say, no more. It is time to take a stand against this abuse of the American system. Impose term limits for all elected members of congress, with maximum terms and service allowed. This would weed out the corrupt politicians who are only in office for themselves, and force the electorate to actually pay attention to what they are doing. A man or woman would take upon the burden of stepping up to serve their community and then step down when their task was done and go back to work.

This is just one stepping stone. I think to truly solve the issue we need to completely eliminate the term "career politician" from our vernacular. It was never intended that way by the founding fathers, and I am sure some of them are rolling in their grave right now. When James Madison drafted the edition of the Constitution that was eventually ratified, term limits were not included because a man of honor in that day and age knew when to step down. Washington did so at the end of his 8 years on his own, and all presidents (with the exception of FDR) did so as well. Only after FDR's record 4th election and subsequent passing was the two term limit imposed. If this rule can apply to the commander in chief as a system of checks and balances, why not to our senate and house of representatives?

Finally, a word on the Pension that a senator obtains for his "service" in the senate. They way I read it, their retirement benefit increases based on years of service. From www.senate.gov:

Members of Congress are eligible for a pension at age 62 if they have completed at least five years of service. They are eligible for a pension at age 50 if they have completed 20 years of service, or at any age after completing 25 years of service. The amount of the pension depends on years of service and the average of the highest three years of salary. By law, the starting amount of a member’s retirement annuity may not exceed 80 percent of his or her final salary. As of October 1, 2000, the average annual pension for members of Congress who have retired under CSRS is $52,464, and $46,932 for retirees under FERS-only or both FERS/CSRS.

Just another incentive to stay in office as long as possible. Here is the letter I received in my email this afternoon. It's a bit redundant, but I think the message is clear.

I am sending this to virtually everybody on my e-mail list and that includes conservatives, liberals, and everybody in between. Even though we disagree on a number of issues, I count all of you as friends..  My friend and neighbor wants to promote a "Congressional Reform Act of 2010". It would contain eight provisions, all of which would probably be strongly endorsed by those who drafted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I know many of you will say, "this is impossible".  Let me remind you, Congress has the lowest approval of any entity in Government, now is the time when Americans will join together to reform Congress - the entity that represents us. We need to get a Senator to introduce this bill in the US Senate and a Representative to introduce a similar bill in the US House.  These people will become American heroes Thanks, A Fellow American ****************************** ***** Congressional Reform Act of 2010 1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below. A. Two Six year Senate terms B. Six Two year House terms C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work. 2.  No Tenure / No Pension: A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work. 3.  Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security: All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately.  All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, server your term(s), then go home and back to work.   4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work. 5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise.  Congressional pay     will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work. 6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the     same health care system as the American people. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work. 7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American     people. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.  Or go to jail, if appropriate. 8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11. The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work. If you agree with the above, pass it on to all in your address list.

Forwarded by

Dan Sorkinwww.stumps.org

Chief Stump

Until next time.