Rant today: CONGRESS

Dear Congress:

Americans, for the most part, think that you are the lowest of the low. Each and every one of you is petty, pandering, self-motivated and -serving. If you were not wealthy when you entered Washington, you will be when you leave; it's just a given. You feel that the laws don't apply to you, your constituents are merely the means to your end, and that your work/pay/benefits are above whatever needs the "common" people have.

Let me tell you, the FIRST thing to go during a government shutdown should be your pay and benefits. The FIRST thing. You can't reach a compromise? That's fine. We won't pay you. After all, when is the last time I was paid for not doing my job? Doesn't happen in the real world.

And it's high time you too-big-for-your-britches reentered the real world. Here is what I suggest:

1. Term Limits - you can have two terms, just like the president. Better get busy, instead of comfortable.
2. Salary - There is no salary. You are at the pleasure of the people, so keep your day job and make serving your country an act of love, patriotism, duty, or whatever else you want to call it. If the founding fathers could do it, I think you can, too. You may want to have your trophy wife get a job. Most everyone else in America is a two-income family.
3. In case of government shutdown - You are the first to feel the pinch. You will work until an agreement is reached, however long that takes.
4. Benefits - A healthy "thank you". No planes, cars, drivers, etc. You can have an office and a secretarial pool. And maybe business cards. Your day job should provide your income and benefits.
5. Hours - You will put in the hours necessary to get the job done. It's just that simple. Just like the rest of us.
6. Contingency of employment - If you don't get the job done, or we think you are doing a bad job, you will be fired. It will take 2/3 vote from your constituents. Voting will be done by electronic ballot at county courthouses, under the control of each state's attorney general. (Specifics to be worked out separately.) The person who ran against you will then be sworn into office, to serve the remainder of your term.

It's really a "shape up or ship out" scenario. Scared? You should be. You need to be rocked to the core of your red/white/blue skivvies. You need to get your head out of your rump, your nose out of other's rumps, your thumb out of your ... well, you get my drift. Get back on track, and we can, quite possibly, get America back on track. Roll up the sleeves on your $300 custom-made-monogrammed-french-cuff shirts and get to business.

Signed,
Pissed off in Arab, Alabama