Opinion: Can a pig represent a duck at the food trough?

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

By Martin John Garhart

This social order that we call the United States of America is most often, and accurately, defined by two concepts: democracy and capitalism. In simple and basic terms democracy means we are all in this together and each of us have a right to be heard. We vote and our elected officials represent our collective needs.

Capitalism means that one can have what they can buy, from the stuff we fill our homes with to politicians or even justice. You choose your examples. In capitalism money is king.  It does not take much to realize, given the state of our economy and the circumstances that have led us to this point, that capitalism is, and has been for a long time, a more accurate definition of the way it all actually works. Given this reality I would like to suggest a modest proposal that would help tilt the scales back toward democracy.

At this point in time each member of Congress is paid $174,000.00 (more for the speaker and majority and minority leaders) annually excluding the perks and extra income that seems to accumulate with the job. This figure, an amount they vote for themselves, also does not include a spouse’s income. On the other hand, the average household income in America is between $50,000 and $60,000 ($50,233.

according to the 2007 census) and that does include a spouse’s income. In this capitalistic society of ours it seems obvious that this discrepancy poses a real problem. How can a member of Congress who has three times (probably more like four or five times) the income of the average constituent understand, let alone represent, them?  I believe it is apparent that for the most part they do not. One need only count the number of lobbyists in Washington and the amount of money they spend to influence legislation to understand how easily need succumbs to greed.

In order to help our members of Congress reconnect with the people they are paid to represent I suggest that we the people insist that their annual salary be adjusted to equal that of the average American family, that all their income be public, and that it cannot exceed an additional 10 percent in total. Any infractions of full disclosure would mean immediate dismissal from Congress.

Just like the rest of us they would be fired for not following the rules. Those with family monies would be required to place those assets in trust and that money could not be used during their term. Campaign financing would have public support and each candidate would be given an equal share and would not be allowed to spend more. There would be other issues to adjust but one thing would be for sure - our

representatives in Congress would start working for the people they were elected to represent because maybe for the first time, they would really understand what life is like when money is an issue. JHW

Martin John Garhart’s paintings are on display at the Art Association. He lives in Powell, Wyo. His essay originally appeared in The Powell Tribune.

PERMALINK:
Opinion: Can a pig represent a duck at the food trough? | Planet JH News Article: Near JH

Leave a Comment