How much longer are we to remain silent while those we elect to office simply establish one set of rules for themselves and a totally different set for the rest of us? The legislators and Governor of Wisconsin are an example that merits discussion. The Wisconsin budget is a biannual wing ding that require establishing pay raises for elected state officials to get pay raises in advance. Note the word s "pay raises". These pay raises are enacted to law by the State Assembly and Senate and signed by the governor. All this tax money laundering is at the expense of the tax payers of the state of Wisconsin who simply look away and unwittingly agree. We are consumed by political arrogance by politicians from both major parties who seem to disdain the voters with their display of perpetual arrogance.
The pay raises that the Wisconsin legislature and governor approved in the 2007-2008 budget included a 5.3% increase for the base pay of all members of the state Assembly and Senate (and the same percentage increase for all other state elected office holders) who increased their pay from $47,413 (2007 and 2008) to $49,943 for 2009 and 2010. This does not include per diem and allowances for a second residence, travel to and from Madison, health care insurance, and state pension contributions that when totaled probably exceeds $12,000. Their total compensation approaches an estimated $65,000 or more annually. They are also provided budgets for staff and office allowances that are all paid by Wisconsin tax payers. In addition to the tax payers moola, the legislators have their coffers filled with political contributions that are tax free and can be used for any purpose they deem fit. Pretty lush for a part time job that requires their presence in Madison about half time or less.
Meanwhile our Wisconsin legislators and governor decided to deduct 3% of the pay to all unelected state employees for two years beginning in 2009. This was done by mandating forced furloughs without pay for the more than 69,000 full-time (equivalent) state workers as of the latest published count (2008). All of these employees are forced to take pay cuts by our state governor and state legislators are awarded with self-legislated pay raises. Why not have them vote to roll back their pay and reduce it by 3% of their pay in 2008? We cannot, they will acclaim because the law (that they created) does not allow a sitting legislative body in Wisconsin to alter pay scales of elected legislators (increase or decrease) during their 2 year budget term in office. Well we can wait for 2010 for them to cut their pay back to 2008 levels, can't we? Why not ask your state legislators who run for election next year whether or nor they will do so. Put their butts to the fire and force them to commit one way or another before you vote.
Although this particular issue of "behind the Squeaking Door" deals with Wisconsin, the same situation probably applies to all of our states. If yo don't live in Wisconsin find out how your elected state legislators dole out the tax dollars to themselves. You will probably be surprised and nauseated by what you find.
Meanwhile, spend some of your time questioning your representatives in state government and force them to treat the voters who elected them just like thy treat themselves. Nothing more, nothing less. This should be the American way!
Maybe the status quo is all we can expect. It will be if we allow the present legal corruption in the guise of state law to remain intact. Each of must and can do something to change this abuse of our tax dollars. Attend campaign debates in your state next year and ask hard questions and demand straight answers. It is all up to you to eliminate legal corruption and special treatment for those we elect to state office. Of course the same applies to the Federal elected officials as it does to locally elected people who represent our cities, towns, and villages. Do not sit back and accept what you are dished. Become active . Your tax dollars are being spent by the people you elect so hold them accountable and force them to explain their misuse and abuse of their actions. Speak up and take action. Our elective form of democratic government requires civilian involvement and action, not complacency. Ask tough questions and get truthful answers from everyone you may vote for before doing casting your vote. Listen and read their statements and press releases. The people you vote for must be told that you will hold them accountable if they are elected to office. Stop the arrogance of your elected officials before it becomes entrenched and institutionalized.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Thumbs Up for War; Thumbs Down for Health Care
Remember the lead up to our Invasion of Iraq. The Bush-Cheney machine steamrolled our country into believing that Saddam Hussein and Iraq was responsible for the Twin Tower and other attacks on 9/11/01 that killed about 3,000 civilians.By Oct. 7, 2001 we under the auspices of a NATO Joint Force invaded Afghanistan to get Bin Laden and his Al Qaeda terrorists who were responsible for the attacks.This invasion was not enough for the Bush Administration who with the approval of Congress then decided to start a war against Iraq. Blind fury ignited Congress to acclaim The Iraq Resolution of War in Oct. 2002 based upon the false claims by the Bush administration that Saddam was ready to unleash Weapons of Mass Destruction against us, and was involved with Al Qaeda terrorists in the 9/11 attacks. Within several months after Congressional approval of the Iraq Resolution of War we invaded Iraq in March, 2003. We have continued sending American troops to fight both wars since they began and to date more than 5,000 American have been killed and tens of thousands maimed or mentally deranged as a result of the two wars. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and Afghanistan civilians have also perished and been maimed. Both countries are in shambles and refugees are barely living in refugee camps where meager food supplies and medical needs are inadequate. We have spent about two trillion dollars of our taxes for these "off-budget" wars and war supplies authorizations. The Veterans Administration will spend an estimated 3 trillion dollars for the lifetime care of wounded and disabled veterans. As of this moment we are still fighting in both countries and Bin Laden and most of the Al Qaeda leaders remain free. This fact should be sufficient to realize that the two wars have failed to eliminate Al Qaeda, and a valid argument can be made that Al Qaeda in fact has become stronger and more dangerous than ever. The two wars have rained havoc, desolation, despair, and death on all involved for what purpose? Yet, we seem to accept the status and take timid steps to end the wars while continuing to lose American troops and spend billions more for no rational reason. This clearly demonstrates that Congress continues to give "Thumbs Up" to war even after President Obama has been in office for about 10 months.This delusional behavior is constantly favored by both political parties, however the Republicans are more vociferous in their support for war than the Democrats.
While the two wars continue to take their tolls in both lives and money our Congress dilly dallies with health care reform that at best may help insure more Americans at reduced cost, and at worst will further fatten the bottom lines of insurance companies by requiring insurance for everyone without any cost reduction benefits.
Have you watched any sessions of the Senate and House on C-span TV during the last 10 months. If so, you are aware of the constant bickering and obstruction by the Republicans and the gradual acquiescence of the Democrats to Republican demands to limit health care coverage and oppose a public insurance option that could reduce costs for everyone covered. Meanwhile the so-called debate goes on and on while a Harvard University study estimated 45,000 American citizens die annually because they cannot pay for medical care. Additionally hundreds of thousands face bankruptcy and foreclosure of their homes because of extravagant health care costs that they are unable to pay, often even if they have insurance coverage. Possible poverty becomes their fate. The debate over health care for all Americans has been resounding periodically in the Senate and House chambers for nearly a century, and this time the Congress has been vociferous. The Republican Party has steadfastly opposed any reform while the Blue Dog Democrats us double talk as they stealthy try to water down any reform. No one can predict the outcome but we can all agree that health care is less important than war to our elected Congressional representatives.
War in Iraq and Afghanistan that our country has fostered and supported for nearly a decade proves beyond doubt that our appetite for war far exceeds that for health care reform even if more than 45,000 of us die in our country annually because they cannot pay for health insurance. At the present rate of loss of American lives in Iraq and Afghanistan it will take at least 90 more years of war there to equal one year of loss of life due to inability to pay for health care. Congress, particularly Republican seems to care less. They clearly acclaim "Thumbs Down" for health care reform. Death is preferable just as in war.
While the two wars continue to take their tolls in both lives and money our Congress dilly dallies with health care reform that at best may help insure more Americans at reduced cost, and at worst will further fatten the bottom lines of insurance companies by requiring insurance for everyone without any cost reduction benefits.
Have you watched any sessions of the Senate and House on C-span TV during the last 10 months. If so, you are aware of the constant bickering and obstruction by the Republicans and the gradual acquiescence of the Democrats to Republican demands to limit health care coverage and oppose a public insurance option that could reduce costs for everyone covered. Meanwhile the so-called debate goes on and on while a Harvard University study estimated 45,000 American citizens die annually because they cannot pay for medical care. Additionally hundreds of thousands face bankruptcy and foreclosure of their homes because of extravagant health care costs that they are unable to pay, often even if they have insurance coverage. Possible poverty becomes their fate. The debate over health care for all Americans has been resounding periodically in the Senate and House chambers for nearly a century, and this time the Congress has been vociferous. The Republican Party has steadfastly opposed any reform while the Blue Dog Democrats us double talk as they stealthy try to water down any reform. No one can predict the outcome but we can all agree that health care is less important than war to our elected Congressional representatives.
War in Iraq and Afghanistan that our country has fostered and supported for nearly a decade proves beyond doubt that our appetite for war far exceeds that for health care reform even if more than 45,000 of us die in our country annually because they cannot pay for health insurance. At the present rate of loss of American lives in Iraq and Afghanistan it will take at least 90 more years of war there to equal one year of loss of life due to inability to pay for health care. Congress, particularly Republican seems to care less. They clearly acclaim "Thumbs Down" for health care reform. Death is preferable just as in war.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Revitalize The American Dream and Make it Reality
We who live in the USA are very fortunate compared to billions of humans who reside in countries where abject poverty is virtually the norm. Billions of people on our planet barely live from day to day attempting to avoid starvation and struggling to avoid contaminated deadly water. The life expectancy for billions of our global human cohabitants is barely 35 years, during which debilitating diseases are rampant and violent death is often served by genocidal leaders. Over 300 million of us are indeed very fortunate compared to so many who suffer and barely survive. However, we living in the USA are not all so fortunate.
Millions of us barely survive and skirt by near or below the poverty level. Millions of us are homeless and are forced to seek basic shelter and bare food rations daily. The multi millions in these categories include citizens of all ages and colors who have fallen into a form of shadow life that is ignored by most of us and who are often treated as miscreants or worse by others who subconsciously despise them. In addition to those who subsist in poverty and those who are homeless and barely exist we now add the many millions who are more recently unemployed or have been chronically unemployed for extended periods of time. An approximate estimate of the totals in each group is as follows; homeless = 5 million humans in USA, at or below poverty level = 40 million humans in USA, unemployed including chronically unemployed = 20 million humans in USA, or a total of about 65 million of the men, women, and children in our country are struggling to barely get by day to day. And this situation is permitted in the "richest country in the world".
These humans amongst us are part of a country where political leaders claim we all have an equal opportunity to live the "American Dream". Each and every one who comprise the living poor range in age from new born to the elderly, includes infants and adolescents, disabled, veterans from our wars, and mentally impaired of all ages. They live in all of 50 of our states and all our territories and comprise over 20% of our total population. The next time you attend a major college football game in a large stadium imagine that every one sitting between the 40 yard lines on both sides of the stadium represent these 20%, and maybe you will begin to realize how enormous this disgraceful situation is in a country of relative abundance. If this is part of the American Dream they are clearly living a dream that most of us would call a Nightmare. However that Nightmare is Reality.
We often seem to treat the suffering poor and unemployed people in our country as untouchable lepers to be ignored or worst. We as a country have indeed lost our humanity towards one another. How can we possibly justify the continuation of this travesty that engulfs more than 60 million of us in the wealthiest and most powerful country in the world?
As long as we the average American citizen allows greed to dominate all forms of life in the USA, and to allow bottom-line corporations ignore the poor and ego maniacal politicians to consume our taxes for destructive rather than constructive purposes we will spiral into a whirlpool of abject poverty wherein the 60 million who are now suffering will enlarge in numbers and encompass more and more of us. If this scenario is allowed we as a country will become as morally bankrupt as those who are directly responsible for allowing their suffering poor to wallow in abject poverty and die young as is happening in many parts of the world.
We must awaken our leaders and demand an enlightened approach to governance that is truly for the purpose of assuring life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for every one of us. Speak up and speak out for a true American Dream that includes all of us. Help our neighbors and fellow citizens emerge from poverty and suffering to share in an equitable life where humility and concern for others dominates our landscape. Shake up the politicians who are steering us deeper into the abyss and tell them no more! Revitalize the American Dream and make it Reality.
Millions of us barely survive and skirt by near or below the poverty level. Millions of us are homeless and are forced to seek basic shelter and bare food rations daily. The multi millions in these categories include citizens of all ages and colors who have fallen into a form of shadow life that is ignored by most of us and who are often treated as miscreants or worse by others who subconsciously despise them. In addition to those who subsist in poverty and those who are homeless and barely exist we now add the many millions who are more recently unemployed or have been chronically unemployed for extended periods of time. An approximate estimate of the totals in each group is as follows; homeless = 5 million humans in USA, at or below poverty level = 40 million humans in USA, unemployed including chronically unemployed = 20 million humans in USA, or a total of about 65 million of the men, women, and children in our country are struggling to barely get by day to day. And this situation is permitted in the "richest country in the world".
These humans amongst us are part of a country where political leaders claim we all have an equal opportunity to live the "American Dream". Each and every one who comprise the living poor range in age from new born to the elderly, includes infants and adolescents, disabled, veterans from our wars, and mentally impaired of all ages. They live in all of 50 of our states and all our territories and comprise over 20% of our total population. The next time you attend a major college football game in a large stadium imagine that every one sitting between the 40 yard lines on both sides of the stadium represent these 20%, and maybe you will begin to realize how enormous this disgraceful situation is in a country of relative abundance. If this is part of the American Dream they are clearly living a dream that most of us would call a Nightmare. However that Nightmare is Reality.
We often seem to treat the suffering poor and unemployed people in our country as untouchable lepers to be ignored or worst. We as a country have indeed lost our humanity towards one another. How can we possibly justify the continuation of this travesty that engulfs more than 60 million of us in the wealthiest and most powerful country in the world?
As long as we the average American citizen allows greed to dominate all forms of life in the USA, and to allow bottom-line corporations ignore the poor and ego maniacal politicians to consume our taxes for destructive rather than constructive purposes we will spiral into a whirlpool of abject poverty wherein the 60 million who are now suffering will enlarge in numbers and encompass more and more of us. If this scenario is allowed we as a country will become as morally bankrupt as those who are directly responsible for allowing their suffering poor to wallow in abject poverty and die young as is happening in many parts of the world.
We must awaken our leaders and demand an enlightened approach to governance that is truly for the purpose of assuring life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for every one of us. Speak up and speak out for a true American Dream that includes all of us. Help our neighbors and fellow citizens emerge from poverty and suffering to share in an equitable life where humility and concern for others dominates our landscape. Shake up the politicians who are steering us deeper into the abyss and tell them no more! Revitalize the American Dream and make it Reality.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Congressman Anh "Joseph" Cao--A Man of Honor
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 was a very noteworthy day. The House of Representatives voted 220 t0 215 for the health care reform plan offered by the Democrats in Congress. Thirty-nine Democrats voted against the legislation and a lone Republican voted in favor. This Republican from Louisiana was Congressman Anh " Joseph" Cao representing a district that was devastated by hurricane Katrina. Congressman Cao and his family lost their home and Congressman Cao then a practicing lawyer lost his office as Katrina devastated New Orleans. However these losses paled by comparison to the daily experiences he lived through while a child in Vietnam. At the age of 8 he and two siblings weer able to escape from Communist controlled Vietnam and eventually he became a US citizen and now a Congressman. Few of us have lived through such experiences. He survived and thrived, and now represents a district in New Orleans that is still recovering from the devastation of Katrina. Tragedies and overcoming obstacles are not new to this heroic man who now faces the scorn of the Republican Party because of his vote for health care reform.
He explained his reason for voting for the legislation by in part saying: "I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents." He further explained : “Today, I obtained a commitment from President Obama that he and I will work together to address the critical health care issues of Louisiana including the FMAP crisis and community disaster loan forgiveness, as well as issues related to Charity and Methodist Hospitals. And, I call on my constituents to support me as I work with him on these issues."
Congressman Cao is truly a man of honor who stands above party politics and reaches out to serve the people he represents for their benefit. His vote proves that their are some Republican who will defy their part rhetoric and be guided by their conscience. Congressman Cao's life experiences have molded his beliefs and conscience in a manner that few have experienced. Perhaps we can all learn something from Congressman Cao. Please join me in acknowledging this man of honor.
He explained his reason for voting for the legislation by in part saying: "I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents." He further explained : “Today, I obtained a commitment from President Obama that he and I will work together to address the critical health care issues of Louisiana including the FMAP crisis and community disaster loan forgiveness, as well as issues related to Charity and Methodist Hospitals. And, I call on my constituents to support me as I work with him on these issues."
Congressman Cao is truly a man of honor who stands above party politics and reaches out to serve the people he represents for their benefit. His vote proves that their are some Republican who will defy their part rhetoric and be guided by their conscience. Congressman Cao's life experiences have molded his beliefs and conscience in a manner that few have experienced. Perhaps we can all learn something from Congressman Cao. Please join me in acknowledging this man of honor.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Percentage Points--Are We Alive?
Are you accustomed to the title that governmental agencies and politicians use when talking about us. We are not people . We are percentage points. Unemployed people are referred to as part of the "Unemployment Rate" in percentage points. Vote differences in elections are measured in percentage points. A babies birth is part of the " Birth Rate" also in percentage points. Virtually all government statistics are boiled down to percentage points for the purpose of comparing economic growth or contraction.As far as our governments are concerned we are all bundled in neat packages referred to as a demographic statistic, also in percentage points. We all have been unwittingly morphed into a convenient statistic that removes our individual existence as humans or even numbers of people and relegated to the title of Mr. and Mrs. and junior and baby "Percentage Points". The subliminal reason for this subjugation is that we lose our individual identity as humans and politicians and media experts can dismiss our existence by referring to us as simply percentage points.
Think about this for a while before you decide what this means. Future editions of this blog will amplify what this means to me. Meanwhile let's just share the thought that we are Percentage Points! Are we alive?
Think about this for a while before you decide what this means. Future editions of this blog will amplify what this means to me. Meanwhile let's just share the thought that we are Percentage Points! Are we alive?
Friday, November 06, 2009
Hitler's Ghost Haunts Us Against Health Care Reform
This photograph displays a large banner with the words, "National Socialist Health Care, Dachau Germany-1945" over the corpses of poisoned concentration camp victims of the Nazis at the gas chambers that were used to liquidate as many Jews as possible during the Nazi realm in Germany before and during World War II. This banner was prominently waved above the heads of Congresswoman Michelle Bachman (R,MN) and Congressman John Boehner (R,OH), and many other prominent Republicans (who oppose health care legislation that assures coverage for all citizens regardless of ability to pay) and several thousands of people who rallied in opposition to the pending Democratic health care reform bill. There were many other signs and banners displayed at this rally that attacked the Democratic bill as a form of Socialism or Communism. Actor John Voight joined the Republican legislators at the rally voicing his opposition to the health care bill and virtually everything else that President Obama is trying to accomplish. Imagine this scene where prominent Republican leaders are stirring up thousands of citizens under a banner likening the Democratic Health Care bill to the genocidal acts committed at the Nazi Concentration Camp at Dachau under Adolph Hitler's orders to exterminate all Jews and other undesirable people.
Several years ago while in Germany on business I went to the Dachau Camp Memorial Site that is maintained by the German government as a reminder of the indescribable starvation, murders, and torture of thousands of Jews, Russian prisoners of war and others who Hitler deemed to be undesirable. The stark gas chamber (called a shower room) and crematoriums still stand as testimony to the horrendous acts that humans committed against other humans. Death and the smell of burning skin haunts the place and will do so forever. The photographs take after Dachau was liberated by American soldiers are displayed at the Memorial Site and viewing the photos that show mounds of skeletal bodies piled on top of one another as sunken eyes stare as if asking for help glare at you and you are forced to look away from the ghastly reminder of man's inhumanity to man.
The banner above displays bodies that are shown in the photographs at the Dachau Memorial Site that was the first of Hitler's extermination camps built in 1933 and used for mass murders until it was liberated on April 29, 1945. No one knows exactly how many innocent men women and children were exterminate at Dachau during the 13 years it was in operation exterminating people. However Dachau and the 19 other major and over 1,500 smaller Concentration Camps probably accounted for the extermination of more than six million people, mostly Jews.
Those of us who lived before and during WW II at least have some memory of what took place on the major battlefields during the war. Few of us have any recollection of life and death in a concentration camp. The Holocaust survivors are few and will soon all be deceased. The memory of these horrendous atrocities against fellow humans will never fade. the Republican rally at the White House displaying naked bodies of Dachau victims was as surreal as the acts committed at the Dachau Concentration Camp.
How could Republican opponents including members of Congress stand below such a banner and compare a piece of legislation to help assure health care for all American citizens to the Nazi atrocities at Dachau? The souls of the dead must have regurgitated as they witnessed the so-called civilized Republican use of the innocent victims of Dachau. Apparently Hitler's Ghost haunts us in the form of Republican opposition to universal affordable health care for all. Will the demons of hate ever recede? Will the souls of the dead from Dachau ever rest?
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Demand Health Care for All
We are in the midst of a Republican vs Democrat battle in Congress the outcome of which will determine how much it will cost and who will get health care. Virtually all the Republicans voice total opposition to a plan that will include a non-profit insurance alternative to that offered by private, profit maximizing insurance companies. Nearly all Congressional Democrats favor a non-profit option because lower operating costs and the elimination of profit will reduce the costs. The Republicans infer that this is Socialism if not Communism and will lead our country to self destruction and the decay of our Constitution.
One might believe that the respective positions of the Congressional Democrats and Republican are based some factual support. The Democrats point out that more than 47 million Americans cannot afford health care and that is reason for change and the public, non-profit, plan. The Congressional Republicans respond by saying in effect, "so what". Why should any of them care with such great pay and benefits? At least the Democrats are trying to remedy a mighty problem while the Republicans oppose every attempt to provide health care for all citizens. The Democrats in Congress deserve our praise because they are working for all Americans. The Republican seem to care only about those who can afford to pay for their health care. This distinction is clear.
The members of Congress all are paid salaries of at least $174,000 annually or about five times the median pay of a typical American family income. They also have health care insurance that include taxpayer subsidies that pays for about 75%. This is equivalent to another tax payer benefit that averages about $8,000 annually depending upon their family size. Collectively the 535 members of the House and Senate receive over $97 million dollars in pay per year (plus an annual cost of living adjustment) for their services to we the people. This is merely the direct labor cost and does not include the operating costs that exceed several billions of dollars annually (the actual amount is well disguised in the overall budget appropriations and is not easily separable). Are we getting our money's worth?
If you have watched c-Span TV you are aware that most of the time the Senate or House is in session passes as "quorum calls" and nothing but chatter and speeches to otherwise empty or near-empty chambers occur. One might suppose that serious work is taking place elsewhere, and if so why refer to this as an operating session when at least 50% of the time is wasted. Assuming that the combined designated operation of Congress equals 1000 hours per year and that half is spent doing nothing we are paying our Congress members at least 30 million dollars annually for doing nothing. Perhaps the other 1000 hours per year is spent constructively, but one is inclined to question even that possibility. Are we getting our money's worth?
The health care debate that is more like a war between Republicans and Democrats is a noteworthy example of how our tax dollars are wasted by vacuous and vindictive speeches and meaningless diversions and Republican scare tactics to delay or prevent any health care reform. If this is the norm, as it appears to be, why do we pay a Congress that has nearly 40% of the members refusing to legislate. They want to obfuscate, delay, and prevent any meaningful health care reform. If they refuse to work for the American people they should not be paid. Give them a permanent vacation by voting them out of office the next time we have an opportunity. Tell them that we are not getting our money's worth! Meanwhile demand health care for all of our citizens.
One might believe that the respective positions of the Congressional Democrats and Republican are based some factual support. The Democrats point out that more than 47 million Americans cannot afford health care and that is reason for change and the public, non-profit, plan. The Congressional Republicans respond by saying in effect, "so what". Why should any of them care with such great pay and benefits? At least the Democrats are trying to remedy a mighty problem while the Republicans oppose every attempt to provide health care for all citizens. The Democrats in Congress deserve our praise because they are working for all Americans. The Republican seem to care only about those who can afford to pay for their health care. This distinction is clear.
The members of Congress all are paid salaries of at least $174,000 annually or about five times the median pay of a typical American family income. They also have health care insurance that include taxpayer subsidies that pays for about 75%. This is equivalent to another tax payer benefit that averages about $8,000 annually depending upon their family size. Collectively the 535 members of the House and Senate receive over $97 million dollars in pay per year (plus an annual cost of living adjustment) for their services to we the people. This is merely the direct labor cost and does not include the operating costs that exceed several billions of dollars annually (the actual amount is well disguised in the overall budget appropriations and is not easily separable). Are we getting our money's worth?
If you have watched c-Span TV you are aware that most of the time the Senate or House is in session passes as "quorum calls" and nothing but chatter and speeches to otherwise empty or near-empty chambers occur. One might suppose that serious work is taking place elsewhere, and if so why refer to this as an operating session when at least 50% of the time is wasted. Assuming that the combined designated operation of Congress equals 1000 hours per year and that half is spent doing nothing we are paying our Congress members at least 30 million dollars annually for doing nothing. Perhaps the other 1000 hours per year is spent constructively, but one is inclined to question even that possibility. Are we getting our money's worth?
The health care debate that is more like a war between Republicans and Democrats is a noteworthy example of how our tax dollars are wasted by vacuous and vindictive speeches and meaningless diversions and Republican scare tactics to delay or prevent any health care reform. If this is the norm, as it appears to be, why do we pay a Congress that has nearly 40% of the members refusing to legislate. They want to obfuscate, delay, and prevent any meaningful health care reform. If they refuse to work for the American people they should not be paid. Give them a permanent vacation by voting them out of office the next time we have an opportunity. Tell them that we are not getting our money's worth! Meanwhile demand health care for all of our citizens.
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