Question:

Why do Americans allow their government officials to make so much money?

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When are we Americans going to do something about the unrealistic amount of money we give our Senators and Congressmen by way of salary and benefits? That's not counting the "perks" of air fare, hotel stays, food, etc. If you are elected to office, you are set for life. What incentive do people have for running for office...the goal of serving their country for the good of the country, or creating a quick and plush nest egg? Are you tired of this type of pork-barrel spending and, if so, what can be done about it?

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  1. The US doesn't pay its  officials enough.  

    Hey, here's where we can learn from the Asians: Singapore pays their senior bureaucrats a million US pesos plus -- the idea is that then they'd be less inclined to accept bribes.


  2. Politicians salaries are miniscule compared to the millions that corporate executives make.  I am sure that Bush will make more money from his memoirs in the first week than he will make from his salary over his entire political career.  What amazes me is how state and local politicians can amass personal fortunes in spite of this without being caught with their hands in the till.  Do you suppose they may get some money from grateful businessmen on the side?

  3. Your !00% right ! And a lot of people just don't realize just how much money that they truly make. Like a U.S. Senator,they don't have to pay into Social Security because they have a plan that pay's them a lot better than S.S. could even think about.And the President  that man does not have to spend one penny while he's in the White House ,his food and drink's are cooked for him and the rest of the crooked elected butt wipes . And after the President's term is up,he still get's payed like when he was the President maybe even better.I think all the elected official's should only be allowed to serve two terms just as the President.And when your term is up so is your pay-check no work no pay .And also place a cap on the amount they can make as an elected official. After all no one made that person run as an elected official,so why let them stay in and get richer than they already are.And that they pay into Social Security just as anyone else working. They say anyone 21 years of age can run for the office of the President,but they fail to add that you have to be rich as h**l to do it. Let's all call the President and let him know that the B/S needs to stop,and stopped now !

  4. The seemingly "high salaries" of Senators and Congressmen are not quite the road to wealth that you might think. Their anual salary in nearly $180 thousand per year. When you factor in things such as keeping a home in D.C. and in their home states, suddenly in ain't so much any more. Also add in the cost of living in D.C. and the expenses of traveling back and forth and you begin to see what I mean.

    Sure, there are perks and bennies, but just being a Congressman or Senator is not a sure way to gain wealth. If you investigate deeply enough, you can add up the numbers. There are even some Senators and Congressmen that have apartments or homes and have other Senators and Congressmen as roomies.

    I'm not saying there aren't a few sneaky ways for them to turn some extra bucks, but the base pay and benefits allowed by law isn't that hot. Quite a percentage of them, who are wealthy already, take a pay cut to serve.

  5. Possibly because the American people have forgot that the politicians work for us, not the other way around.

  6. You are misinformed. Nearly all politicians are wealthy before they become members of congress. They are not in it for the money, but for the power.

  7. It really isn't that much money, but the reason for it is to discourage the acceptance of bribes, kickbacks, embezzling, and other dishonest ways of lining one's pockets.

  8. They really don't make very much money compared to what can be made in the private sector. A salary of 200,000 or even 500,000 is chump change compared to the 10 million a CEO (that's on the LOW end) or a top lawyer can make, what they pay ball players, musicians actresses etc. Isn't a Senator's job more important

    than a ball players. Isn't the Presidents job more important than a Corporate CEO's?

    Actually if we paid them more they would be less likely to take bribes and get corrupted by lobbyists. Also, we might get better quality people.

    Running for office isn't  easy or fun and takes tons of money.

    Pork Barrel spending refers to Bill passed for projects for a Senators home state or a Congressman's district, not their salaries.

  9. And if we paid them minimum wage? Then we really would get some really good ones, wouldn't we?

    I'm always amazed by the way some people think that you just tell someone what you are going to pay them, and they go along with the idea. Good people cost good money. Sometimes bad people cost good money. But almost always, good people cost good money.

  10. The American form of government allows for it, they will get it either from us or corporate interests, or both.

    Citizens can do nothing about it short of a French style revolution.

    Viva La France

  11. Don't forget that corporate fat cats have their grubby little paws in politics as it is. Congressman and Senators are set for life because they look out for the lobbyists first. What do you expect? It's a symbiotic relationship get use to it cuz that's the way it has been for ages.

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