throw the bums out!
by Sandra Neish
Published: September 17, 2008
Like many Americans, I am dissatisfied with our elected leaders. They are more concerned with their next election than with actually doing the business of the people. I propose a solution this November: vote against the incumbents.
As a No Party Affiliation registered voter, I have no vested interest in the Democrats, the Republicans, the Libertarians, the Green Party, Ralph Nader or Ross Perot (wherever he is). Frankly, I am a bit sick of how the two-party system rewards good snake-oil salesmen (and women) with offices and titles. Then, they basically sit back and enjoy the perks of the job without worrying their pretty, little heads about getting anything done. Unless, of course, you count sneaking earmarks into bills that get buildings, schools, et cetera named for them in their home states.
According to the National Taxpayers Union, Congressional perks really add up. From prime parking at both Capitol Hill and the D.C. airports to taxpayer subsidized healthcare to limousines for senior members to “junkets” (politician-speak for world travel on the government dime) to… well, you get the picture. It appears that between their salaries - for which they can vote themselves a raise - and great pension plans and all the other great incentives, our elected leaders have really cushy positions.
What other job allows one to get nothing of substance done, yet still get a vacation? Also, I have yet to see the job that allows one to get five weeks of vacation, unless one has been at the company for an inordinately long period of time.
Many members of Congress have been in their positions for inordinately long periods of time. For instance, the longest-serving member is Senator Robert Byrd (D-West Virginia), who won his first election the year President George W. Bush was born. It seems that the longer one stays in Congress, the more power, prestige and perks one garners. It must be difficult to give up that type of power, even for the good of the country.
The average age of the Senate is 60.4 years old, while the House has an average age of 55. Contrast this with the median age of the American people: 36.4. That is an age gap of 24 years! 60-year-olds have a very different set of priorities than 36-year-olds. Perhaps this explains why there is such a disparity between the will of the people and the will of the Congress.
Congress may vote for a lot of things, but they will never vote for term limits. Many Americans support term limits (the Cato Institute puts the number at between 75 - 80%), yet Congress refuses to bow to the will of the people. If so many Americans support term limits, why do we have members of Congress serving so long? Why do we have Robert Byrd, (the late) Strom Thurmond, Ted Kennedy, etc., etc., etc.? Why can’t Americans just vote for the other guy?
I believe it is time to inject new blood into an old system. The answer: make this November election a bloodless American version of Bastille Day. This election day, November 4, 2008, America needs to declare her independence once more. This time, it is our independence from old, decrepit leaders who refuse to give up the power and position they have come to love more than their country. No matter your party affiliation, suck it up and vote against the incumbent. Vote for what’s-his/her-name, you know, the one without the parenthetical word “incumbent” next to his/her name. The time has come to unite, storm the voting booths and throw the bums out!
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September 18th, 2008 at 10:14 am
If I vote for my own party and the candidate is a loser, I lose. If I vote for the other party and they happen to have an upstanding candidate, but whose policies are horrible, I lose. I’m not seeing the upside here.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
James, I think you just made Sandra’s point…currently we are all losing, no matter who we vote for.
To truly get the point across, I think everyone should write in “Mickey Mouse” for EVERYTHING. When all the ballots are counted up and Walt Disney World’s main character is now leader of the free world (not to mention, the only member of the house & senate and holds all of the public offices in all states) then I think all the politicians will finally sit up and take notice.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
In defense of James’ point, I think Sandra has made a perfectly sensible suggestion at the wrong moment. The time to take this action would have been in the primary season earlier this year, then, at least, we could have voted for new blood more to our liking.
September 18th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Great article…throw all the bums out….this two party system sucks eggs…I am voting for the Dems….I really want to vote for Ron Paul…..It’s time for a third party…MMMM….lets bring Budweiser back home to the good old U$ of A….
November 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
what about trem limits? Now there’s an idea who’s time has come!
November 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
s/b term limits