Congress & Salary

The salaries of the members of Congress are out of line when you consider what they actually do and what they have accomplished as a governmental body. The current economic conditions facing the citizens and the country at this time also make it evident that they are overpaid. The history of their salary increases is something to behold. They are currently at a whopping $169,300 a year, with an increase already in progress that will give them a $174,000 annual amount. When you consider what they have actually accomplished, this is an outrageous figure. The fact that they give themselves raises is another outrageous matter. I am sure people surviving on only social security checks would agree with this analysis. Do we get our money’s worth? I don’t think so! Back in 1815 their salary was $6 a day, then in 1968 the amount was $30,000, 1979 has them at $60,000, 1991 shows $125,100, and now $169,300. I believe the time is now for members to decrease that salary and place it more in line with reality. The average individual income in America is around $45,000 to $50,000 (with millions below that level). Even if they doubled it to $90,000, that would provide a livable income and would not include their other sources of income. It is time to remove our politicians from the royalty view they have of themselves and place them back in a position of serving the public. Write your members of Congress and demand that they take action to correct this situation and do it now! In fact, a large percentage of city, county, state, and federal employees (especially appointed positions) have salaries that have reached out of line levels and need to be reduced, especially in today’s economic situation. Businesses are reducing salary levels and government should follow those steps and operate in a realistic business manner!

Recycle America

There is a growing need for more recycling in America and the world in general. It is a shame and a disgrace that more is not being done by the do-nothing Congress. There is so much waste in America and the landfills are growing by the tons every day with no end in sight. The waste of plastic and paper alone is staggering when this could be recycled and put to good use! This does not even consider the nightmare of hazardous waste that continues to be dumped daily. There is really nothing being done from a federal level to solve this nightmare of a problem that grows by the minute. Where are the so-called great minds in this country? There are some recycling operations taking place, but the number is so small that it is ridiculous. I am positive that the public in general would support a good program, but it takes a well thought out plan and for that plan to be placed in operation. The coming generations will be faced with massive problems if something is not done and soon. The government and public is too involved in the live for today and make as much money as possible syndrome that everyone forgets that the planet should at the very least be considered while conducting their lives in that manner. Wake up America and demand action!

American Judicial System

The American judicial system is broken and it is past time for a complete overhaul. There are too many criminals using a revolving door when it comes to punishment. This goes for criminals guilty of robbery or home burglary and criminals guilty of more serious crimes. Judges appear to be entirely too lax in their punishment. They commit crimes, go in for a short period of time and are back out doing the same crimes. White-collar criminals are receiving light prison terms and when there is a fine involved, the amount is small compared to the crimes they committed and the amount involved in their crime. The federal prison system appears to provide incarceration and not any real punishment. Rehabilitation would appear to be non-existent. I recently read about an inmate attending a professional basketball game and he was out of prison while serving an 18-month sentence that does not expire for 8 months. He was not out on parole since there is no parole in federal prison, but there is the next best thing, a furlough. Inmates who meet specific security standards are considered for furloughs of up to 30 days that typically occur during their final year of confinement. This is intended to help reestablish family and community ties. This is outrageous! They can adjust after they serve their time for the crimes they committed against society! What has America come to when criminals are treated in such a manner? Politicians are committing fraud against the public they are supposed to be serving and when found guilty of their crimes they receive very light sentences. The public deserves better and the judicial system deserves a makeover.