Our Congress - Who's In Charge

Government OF the people, FOR the people, BY the people... So how has it happened then, that over the years, our "elected" officials felt they had the right to vote themselves so many perks? And why, in this age of instant electronic information, can't our congressmen - senators and representatives - poll us on what our positions are relative to the various issues that come up? Why do we continue to fund with tax dollars a Health Care System for our government officials that far exceeds anything that is provided for the citizenry? And if we allow Obama to force a new government health care system, will our elected officials be required to abide by that same system? If not, then why would we allow them to vote to provide us with a system far inferior to their own? Most national politicians receive salaries of less than $200,000.00 per year. However, they also have voted themselves a yearly allowance of over $1,000,000 per year. They also have expense accounts, and who knows what other monetary perks. How do you think they've all become millionaires? Which leads me to... Term Limits! We need to insist on term limits, thereby limiting power and corruption. Lifelong politicians lose sight of "real" life. Contact your reps and senators - ensure they understand your insistence. Make sure they understand that you will vote them out if they do not uphold your will. They've voted themselves a fantastic retirement package as well. They get life-long salary after they retire. How many of you can look forward to that? What makes them more special than you? How many Americans do you think authorized that vote? Remember, they are accountable to us, so why is it that they do what they want? Because there have been no repercussions until now. They've always felt untouchable - especially those that have been in for a long time and have built a strong base by providing favors to special interest groups and specific lobbies. Time to vote them out and get someone in there that will provide Americans with documentation of all the abuse that's gone on over the past 40 years! Why do you think that in this age of computers, email accessible cell phones, Ipods, etc our elected officials have not thought to poll us on what we think about the issues they vote on? Because they don't care what we think. They are looking to the next special interest group that will give them money. They're looking to the next deal they can do as a quid pro quo to a deal they want consummated. They are in a world of their own, all with large egos to feed, with no concern for the citizenry. Another reason we need term limits. How many of you have bought a house, or entered into a lease without reading the contract(s)? I would venture to say not many. How then can congress pass bills (regularly according to Bob Beckel, Washington Insider) without reading what's contained within them? That is INSANE!!! Which leads me to... Pork. I love pork, but not in Congressional bills. I believe that every issue/item contained within, or facet of, a bill be voted on separately - to pass or fail on it's own merits. THAT will stop the pork - especially if we demand that every vote be published and sent out to every voter so we know how our individual reps/senators voted. That is accountability! And how many people do we need to provide entitlements to? What happened to our ability to take care of those around us if necessary? Wasn't that the role of the church at one time? Isn't it still? Aren't we a charitable people on our own? Why then do we need government to take our money and distribute it as they see fit? And this leads me finally to... Spending. It's OUR money they are spending. How many times have you been asked for your input on what Washington should spend our taxes on? Hmmmm - NEVER!!!! And yet, they spend and spend - without a thought for what will result next year, next decade, next generation! But someone has to. That is where we come in. Insist on your congressmen doing your will, not theirs. If they refuse - VOTE THEM OUT! It's that simple. But it takes an active role on your part. You must educate yourselves on the issues, and where your congressmen stand. You must notify your congressmen of your stand on the issues. You must watch how your congressmen vote. And most of all you must go to the polls - to remove those that do not abide by your will! Wake Up America! And God Bless Us All!