Let's tax the (*)(*)(*)(*) out of the Congressional Fascists. ------------------------------------------------------------------- The following are 12 statistics about money and Congress that are so outrageous that it is hard to believe that they are actually true.... #1 The collective net worth of all of the members of Congress increased by 25 percent between 2008 and 2010. #2 The collective net worth of all of the members of Congress is now slightly over 2 billion dollars. That is "billion" with a "b". #3 This happened during a time when the net worth of most American households was declining rapidly. According to the Federal Reserve, the collective net worth of all American households decreased by 23 percent between 2007 and 2009. #4 The average net worth for a member of Congress is now approximately 3.8 million dollars. #5 The net worth of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi increased by 62 percent from 2009 to 2010. In 2009 it was reported that she had a net worth of 21.7 million dollars, and in 2010 it was reported that she had a net worth of 35.2 million dollars. #6 The top Republican in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, saw his wealth grow by 29 percent from 2009 to 2010. He is now worth approximately 9.8 million dollars. #7 More than 50 percent of the members of the U.S. Congress are millionaires. #8 In 2008, the average cost of winning a seat in the House of Representatives was $1.1 million and the average cost of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate was $6.5 million. Spending on political campaigns has gotten way out of control. #9 Insider trading is perfectly legal for members of the U.S. Congress - and they refuse to pass a law that would change that. #10 The percentage of millionaires in Congress is more than 50 times higher than the percentage of millionaires in the general population. #11 U.S. Representative Darrell Issa is worth approximately 220 million dollars. His wealth grew by approximately 37 percent from 2009 to 2010. #12 The wealthiest member of Congress, U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, is worth approximately 294 million dollars. So how are members of Congress becoming so wealthy? Well, there are lots of ways they are raking in the cash, but one especially alarming thing that goes on is that members of Congress often make investments in companies that will go up significantly if legislation that is being considered by Congress "goes the right way". This is called a "conflict of interest", but it happens constantly in Congress and nobody seems to get into any trouble for it. http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-times/article.php?articleid=7715
They get rich off us, all the time doing a poor job themselves. Well, many of them... Time for torches and pitchforks....figuratively - at the ballot box next fall.
Yes, and Congress cannot pass the buck to the consumer as the corporations will. I propose a 90% tax on the worthless members of Congress and cutting the benefits given to past members of the establishment who screwed this nation by actions and inaction.
So do the financial elite through collateralized debt obligations and mortgage backed securities. We shouldn't just be targeting people that get rich off us while not working in the public interest, but also people who get rich off us while destablilizing, and in the case of the Financial Crisis of 2008, contributing to our economic hardships.
Indeed, diplomat. We need a more focused approach on the real thieves and more clarity about which representatives are engaging in insider trading and smiley glad hand deals. Everyone just wants to blame all "corporations" or all Representatives. I propose a selective taxation on thieves!
Essentially, my approach doesn't involve taxation, but extensive pay cuts to members of Congress. Right now, Congressional members make $174,000 in legitimate salary. They make more through other forms of income. The problem is that we will never see a significant reduction in outside income for elected officials. As long as there's special interests and opportunities for illegal activities, politicians will grab them like there's no tommorrow. It's merely the attitude that power in government creates. Therefore, if we understand this reality, then we shouldn't go after these forms of income, but actual Congressional salaries. I would propose a reduction of salaries to at least $100,000. I would then place a cap via Constitutional Amendment that freezed pay at that level. This amendment would be designated to be voted upon by state conventions. Any attempt to repeal would have to come via another state convention.
HOw about we just stop paying them? We can end congressional salaries. We will pay their essential costs, such as food, housing, ect.....but they don't get a cent more than what their expenses cost.
Here is an idea.... they make the average salary of the people they represent. If you are to represent your "people" then you must live as they live. Experience the problems that they do. Although I am ok with a small stipend for coach plane tickets to DC and back, and perhaps a modest DC apartment... but that is about it....
We can try, but they would have to bring the legislation and pass it. Good luck with that. BTW, you know, they approve their own pay raises too.
