It doesn't sit real well with me whenever I see a group (large or small, Republican or Democrat) gathered on the steps of the Capitol showing unity over a specific issue in front of the cameras. As great as this form of government has proven to be, politics has always been an ethical challenge. Seniority builds authority, which is okay in theory but when it demands unconditional obedience, it is just another form of tyranny. I am all for a party whip taking charge, trying to form consensus and using the authority vested in him/her to formulate plans and bring order but never through intimidation nor attempting to convince a member of Congress to go against conscience. Also, playing to the media is distasteful and unnecessary since every member of Congress can inform their constituents who are eager enough to keep up on issues.
The seniority of 30 and 40 year members can prevent needed reform and give us the worst possible committee chairs. The congressman's salary is $174,000 plus "P"erks. It probably should be about $120,000. The real disease in the profession is in what many will do to keep their jobs. The entitlement mentality is a disaster that eats away at our motivation to work and be productive but it won't be touched for it might disengage the voter base that is deceived by the ultimately destructive policy. I am against gun control as the radical left presents it for their goal is nefarious, their methods are increasingly deceptive and their reason emanates from ideology, but when someone can buy an AK-47 from a vendor on his way into a gun show (as recently happened), then we are as intellectually and ethically guilty.
The seniority of 30 and 40 year members can prevent needed reform and give us the worst possible committee chairs. The congressman's salary is $174,000 plus "P"erks. It probably should be about $120,000. The real disease in the profession is in what many will do to keep their jobs. The entitlement mentality is a disaster that eats away at our motivation to work and be productive but it won't be touched for it might disengage the voter base that is deceived by the ultimately destructive policy. I am against gun control as the radical left presents it for their goal is nefarious, their methods are increasingly deceptive and their reason emanates from ideology, but when someone can buy an AK-47 from a vendor on his way into a gun show (as recently happened), then we are as intellectually and ethically guilty.
