What Exactly Bothers US About our Elected Representatives?

Wikipedia | 11/27/09 | logic 'n reason

[Logic n' Reason]

The annual salary of each senator, as of 2009, is $174,000; the President pro tempore and party leaders receive $193,400. In June 2003, at least 40 of the then-senators were millionaires.

[Logic n' Reason]

In addition to their salaries, senators' retirement and health benefits are identical to other federal employees, and are fully vested after five years of service. Senators are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). As it is for federal employees, congressional retirement is funded through taxes and the participants' contributions. Under FERS, senators contribute 1.3% of their salary into the FERS retirement plan and pay 6.2% of their salary in Social Security taxes. The amount of a senator's pension depends on the years of service and the average of the highest 3 years of his or her salary. The starting amount of a senator's retirement annuity may not exceed 80% of his or her final salary. In 2006, the average annual pension for retired senators and representatives under CSRS was $60,972, while those who retired under FERS, or in combination with CSRS, was $35,952.

And all this in addition to free trips, franking privileges, aides, interns, fancy offices, and other perks.

Notice too, that the declared level for "wealth"...as determined by these bozos (and bozo-ettes - or is that, "whores") is $250,000 annual.

When...and how...are we going to get these crumbs to change this?

With some degree of variation, most U.S Senators are exceedingly wealthy compared to that of the public. According to financial documents the average net worth of the 100 member chamber of the bicameral congress was approximately $8.9 million. By contrast, less than 1% of the U.S. population has a net worth of $1 million or more. [17]

[digger48]

I heard a couple of weeks ago, don’t remember where, that almost HALF (like 240 or sumthin) of the congresscritters in the HOUSE were millionaires.

I’m guessing these are the ones that have been there a while.

so much for that “of the people”

[Shady]

Through manipulation by shrewd attorneys the Congress has become the Imperial Legislature. It must stop.

[The Wizard]

1. They lie
2. They steal
3. They shove things down our throat we doin’t want
4. They support corruption
5. They prevent tort reform
6. They prevent rather than fight for photo ID to vote
7. They see us as an inconvienence
8. They never cut taxes permanently
9. They hand out bribes using our money
10. They never kill bad programs
11. They have no shame and no honor
12. They pass bills that the American people don’t want
13. And don’t pass ones we do want
14. Etc., Etc., Etc.....

[freekitty]

They do exactly what we don’t want. They are low life scum. They cheat, lie and steal from us for their own benefit.

[mountainlion]

Lack of ethics and ignorance bothers me.

[browniexyz]

They pass laws that they exempt themselves from — health care being the best example, and they do not pay Social Security either.

[TomGuy]

Their actual salaries are minimal.

Their real wealth is from interests, overseas bank accounts, perks, etc., which adds up to a few million.

I recall an article in the early 70s which said that the average congressperson got about $3 million (then) in perks, office expenses, staff expenses, more perks, etc.

[Sacajaweau]

That’s base pay. Add benefits, expense accounts, and extra pay for work on committees.

[cripplecreek]

I have issues with the fact that they don’t represent us.

[gwilhelm56]

Other than they are either Crooked Scum, Terrorist BUTT Kissers, or make old Soviet Communists seem MODERATE that I would never vote for DOG Catcher... other than that...

They are Ego Maniacs, because those who would be BEST for the job say ..”NO EFFING WAY”!!

and other than that.. they’re Worthless excuses of Human Debris.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

15. They continually pass laws to destroy the America we love.
16. They perpetuate the underclass.
17. They are pompous, self-important gasbags

With very few exceptions like Sen. Inhofe.

[americanophile]

What Exactly Bothers US About our Elected Representatives?

How much time do you have?

[Logic n' Reason]

Lest we forget our wonderful, thoughtful, honest, moral, and uncorruptible House members:
"As of January 2009, the annual salary of each Representative is $174,000. The Speaker of the House and the Majority and Minority Leaders earn more, $223,500 for the Speaker and $193,400 for their party leaders (the same as Senate leaders). A cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) increase takes effect annually unless Congress votes to not accept it. Congress sets members' salaries; however, the Twenty-seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits a change in salary (but not COLA) from taking effect until after the next general election. Representatives are eligible for lifetime benefits after serving for five years, including a pension, health benefits, and social security benefits."

[Sacajaweau]

I think it should be mandatory that every rep (Senate & House at State & Fed levels) post their income tax returns.

[Gritty]

The salaries don't bother me. I would give each one of them $10,000,000 tax-free tomorrow if they would just go away and never show their slimy, crooked, Commie faces in town ever gain.

It would be the finest investment the American taxpayer ever made!

[pankot]

Term Limits is the only answer.

[Lion Den Dan]

What bothers this American Citizen is

A. They have stopped representing us.

B. There is some question as to whether they were elected or placed in office by a manipulated or paid for vote.

[browniexyz]

They represent their own interests vis a vis the interests that want laws out of them, you’re right. We the people have been left out of the equation.

[cripplecreek]

My congressman represents the SEIU almost exclusively. I can’t think of a single time he has held an open meeting. Usually the SEIU quietly tells their people that the congressman will hold a meeting. Then the papers report that his supporters were the only people to show up.