Mitch McConnell finally kept one promise, and Paul Ryan has obviously joined him. The “turtle” told the American people two things; he would refuse to hold hearings about the vacated seat on the Supreme Court, and he would not allow any significant legislation to pass until the November election is over. What a great American!
Our Congressmen are only expected to ‘work’ 100 hours per month; but they seldom make that goal. Between raising money for the party and meetings with lobbyists, they average less than 20 hours per week. If all they made was their base salary of $174,000 per year, that would mean that they make more than $180 per hour. Members of the TEA Party work even fewer hours because they have promised to never compromise or deliberate with Democrats. Don’t forget about their benefits; the best healthcare and retirement your money can buy.
The Capitol is a virtual ‘ghost town’ as I write this. Congress is exhausted and has left Washington for the long Holiday weekend.
That’s okay; there was nothing of importance facing our “over-worked” legislators other than funding money to protect Americans from the Zika virus, bailing out the American citizens of Puerto Rico, approving spending bills, (only one of 12 has been addressed), approving defense policy, and addressing Criminal Justice overhaul. They can all wait until the do-nothing Congress returns to “work.”
I cannot be upset with 535 useless human beings, but I can be angry with America voters. The fact that our government is in gridlock and our democracy is dying can only be blamed on the fact that they were legally elected by ignorant Americans.
Let’s use a perfect example of a failed legislator; Mitch McConnell. He is in his sixth term as a Senator from Kentucky. Kentucky voters must be the most ignorant people in America, and obviously have no love for their country and its future. McConnell will be remembered by historians as the worst Senate Majority Leader in history. Under his “leadership,” less has been accomplished in the last seven-plus years by Congress than at any other time in our nation’s history. But the uninformed citizens of Kentucky love him. Really?
Always remember that our “over-worked” Congress is the group who refuses to raise the federal minimum wage, doesn’t want you to have healthcare as they do, and accepts money from lobbyists representing the one-percent, while you seldom receive a raise in pay.
Congress refuses to pass term limits, so let’s help them. In November, if a candidate has an “I” next to his or her name, vote for their opponent, or, if your state has the option Nevada offers, vote “none of the above.” If they are not representing you, why should you allow them to stay in office?
Let’s take away their lives of privilege and elect Representatives and Senators who will work in Washington. However, let’s not make it easy for them. They must prove to us each election year that they are worthy of our vote.
This will only work if the American people cease voting for parties and elect qualified candidates. This practice is ignorant and a waste of time; Independents now compose more than 42 percent of the electorate, and our numbers are growing.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 