Political Salaries & Income Inequality
Topic: Politics
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When talking about income inequality the subject often -- and rightly -- goes to the benefits of being in the top 1% on the economic ladder. Income inequality is in the news now being used as a political football, but who's throwing that football? Politicians, currently trying to score points with their voters, need to first look in the mirror when dealing this issue.
The person who serves as President of the United States is set economically. I don't have a problem with this, seeing the straines and stresses of being the leader of the most powerful nation on earth. It's often mentioned that presidents come into office with their natural color hair, but leave grey. However, the perks are still worth a look. Besides a hefty salary, the president is taken care of upon leaving office: A nice pension, transition and office expenses, travel expenses, secret service protection and more. Being a U.S. President is like hitting the lottery!
My real problem is with the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government. Everyday people struggle to make it day-to-day, whether working or retired. Senators and representatives don't even work day-to-day -- thus no struggle. Members of Congress only "work" when Congress is in session. Members of the Legislative Branch spend more time on getting re-elected than they do on addressing the concerns of their constituents. On top of this light "work" schedule, they're paid handsomely; and, if they serve the required time, also get a sizeable pension. Oh, did I mention that they get to give themselves pay raises!
There are many problems with our economy. We live in a "Twilight Zone" of two Americas: One where caviar is the norm, and the other where hunger is. When looking at income inequality, one of the first glances should be cast at the hundreds of congrssional members who live like royalty at public expense. CONGRESSIONAL PAY RAISES SHOULD BE VOTED ON BY THE PEOPLE!
