If you believe that your favorite Congressman is working for you in Washington, you are a fool. Money rules our nation’s capital, and serving voters is secondary at best. The truth is that Congress averages 139 ‘work days’ a year. That is an average of three days a week.

For their ‘difficult’ work, they are paid $174,000 per year, which is three times the average for an American worker.

Of those 139 ‘work days,’ they are expected to spend 30 hours per week in their party’s phone center, begging supporters for campaign donations. Really?

When Congress is actually in session, and most of its members are present, they fail to discuss legislation with the opposition party; nothing is accomplished thanks to a small group of extremists in the Republican Party known as the TEA Party or Freedom Caucus.

If this irritates you, blame yourself; you voted for these privileged and overpaid individuals. You elected an ambitious, self-serving man or woman; and you’ve helped that individual become a member of the millionaire’s club thanks to lobbyists.

Let’s look at some current examples of a non-functioning government.

When Marco Rubio was campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination, he missed 40 percent of votes in the Senate. Those who followed him on the campaign trail claimed that even then he had a poor work ethic. I asked the question; “did he truly want to be the president?”

Ted Cruz, John Kasich, and Bernie Sanders are not performing the jobs for which they were elected. Their time is spent in many cities across the United States, but not in Washington or Ohio.

Wouldn’t it be fair to the American people if their $174,000 salary was reduced during the time they were not working in the Senate, or Kasich’s when he is not performing the duties of governor?

Our government needs a complete overhaul. It must begin with term limits. No Congressman should serve more than two consecutive terms. It is a crime that the United States has ‘professional politicians.’ They become too powerful and too wealthy; entirely complacent. They spend most of their time representing their party to potential donors, and little time legislating for the American people. They actually believe that their opinions are more accurate than the needs of the people and frequently vote against their wishes.

Secondly, our elected officials must receive the same consideration for their healthcare and retirement as the people they are intended to serve. They are not forced to rely on social security for their retirement, or the Affordable Care Act for their healthcare. Why?

Republicans want to repeal healthcare, and reduce social security. If they were forced to receive the same benefits package as the American people, they would have a different attitude.

Our government is elitist. They believe that they are superior to their constituents. Campaign season is the only time when they talk to their supporters. They will make claims that they will support the needs of the voting public, but once elected forget those promises.

The American people have a phobia regarding taxes. This is based on a lack of faith in those who live lives of luxury in Washington. This is one of the prime reasons the United States is ranked 14^th in the world in quality of life.

Denmark is among the top three in the world rated as a nation where happiness is related to an excellent lifestyle. Their taxes are high, but they trust their government. They pay nothing for healthcare or education; their taxes cover all their basic needs.

Younger Americans are ignored by most of Washington. This will not exist in 20-30 years. They will be in control of our government. They rightfully believe that capitalism has failed the majority of Americans. They believe that some form of socialism is the answer to problems and inequality faced by the working class. Change will come.

Our political system is broken; but you can repair it by voting for candidates who will actually represent you in Washington. You will deserve the credit or the blame; it’s up to you.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Read James Turnage at http://www.amazon.com/By-James-turnage/e/B00LOCJ2Z2