Rich Politicians-- A Scourge Of Democracy

-by Dave Sherbula



My observations of our system of representative government have uncovered a fatal flaw. Money.  And I don't mean campaign contributions (although that's a huge problem too). Too many of our elected representatives are filthy rich. Top 2% rich. Don't need to work rich. Completely out of touch rich. Guys like Reps Sensenbrenner and Issa, Sen. Herb Kohl. And Ladies too... hello Sen. Feinstein, hi, Jane Harman. Last year there were 238 millionaires in Congress-- meaning 44% of Senators and Representatives are in the seven-figure club, compared to about one percent of all Americans. Fifty of them have over $10 million and ten are "worth" over $100 million, at least one of whom, Darrell Issa, got his start as a car thief.

Why do we as a society tolerate wealthy people making (and, in the case of the Senate, blocking) laws affecting the 99% of the country that is not wealthy? These politicians have blocked an unemployment extension again because, they claim. the unemployed are not looking hard enough for jobs that do not exist. Or more accurately, have been sent overseas, by the policies of the politicians who were supposed to be looking out for the American worker. 

How could any politician vote against an Estate Tax that affects almost no one and is totally avoidable (just give your money away to whoever you choose while you are alive bonehead!) I swear these moneyed types think they are Pharaohs and will need their coin in the afterlife. I'm guessing you won't need money in hell anyway. What was that hippie Jesus line... It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 

I say we means test them. If you are worth more than a couple of million dollars you should not be allowed to hold public office. Let me explain why. Wealthy people are so far removed from the reality of 99% of this country that they are out of touch. They only associate with people like them, wealthy and successful who want to be more wealthy and successful. These are their friends.  Friends help friends. 

Now I'm not saying someone who has a true calling to serve our country shouldn't be able to do it.  I'm just saying they need to take a vow of poverty. Like the Priest's and Nun's who taught me in my 12 years of Catholic Schooling. 

If you want to serve our country, give away the majority of your wealth. And not be allowed to be a lobbyist or corporate consultant. Ever. That would be an excellent way to see who really has the courage of their convictions. And isn't in it for the Washington cocktail parties. Or to help their friends.

It's really not that bad a deal. The health care and pension plans for politicians are excellent by private sector standards... and the safety net for politicians is tied securely...