Congress plays by different rules. Usually that's OK because they are so important and so busy that they need perks that aren't available to the rest of us.
But here's something interesting.
Remember when the auto executives came to Washington to seek money for their failing companies and they arrived by corporate jet? Remember the outrage and public scoffing at such a notion? It lead to some of those planes being put up for sale.
When your company is failing and you're looking to cut costs and save jobs, eliminating corporate aircraft seems like a good place to start.
Did you know that another failing public corporation has private aircraft and wants to buy more to supplement its aging fleet? Oh, did I mention that this is the US Government - and Congress in particular?
It seems that Members of Congress can't just get on a plane with any of us - they need to have ctaxpayer-owned and funded corporate jets - with all of the perks.
It also turns out that they don't have enough money to expand their fleet, so they are letting the Pentagon provide the planes out of the Pentagon's budget - at a net loss to the Pentagon because those funds will have been redirected to Congress. We don't know what potential impact this will have on military efforts.
The President had requested $220 million (that we don't have) in his budget to buy 4 planes, but Congress, in its typical largess doubled that request to 8 planes and $550 million (that we still don't have).
If anyone other than Congress had tried this, we'd probably be pretty upset with the idea.
───
For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
© Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.
Steve, I think that it is time to elect some new "blood" to Congress. It is also time to install effective and strict term limits for every elected post! If it is good enough for the President, the rest of them should be in the same boat. The next logical step would be to put Congress and the President on Medicare instead of the all inclusive insurance that they currently enjoy. Once out of office, they should then be put on Social Security based on the same income requirements that everyone else has. I think that would jump start things a little!
Is a double standard to use that in the same sentence with a congress?
I still don't like this and Its not ok. Take a commercial flight and talk to some of the people beside you Mr Congressman. Our Gov is out of control with spending.
When is this hypocrisy going to end?
Americans are furious over all of this. And Congress wonders why the town hall debates over health care are so heated?
It's not just health care, it is everything that Congress has been doing that the American people don't want them to do. From TARP, to the autos, to the stimulus.
Health care just happens to be the tipping point in all of this.
Tony and Darcy,
I like your ideas. The Founding Fathers never envisioned the career politician. Back then it was considered an honor to serve, not a perk. :)
Steve
Dallas,
Congress always plays by different rules. That's my point. :)
Steve
Laura,
Precisely. Glad to hear your take and agreement on this issue. :)
Steve
It would be nice if we could get rid of them all...
Mark,
You're right - and none too soon. Otherwise we would get saddled with all of this big-brotherism. Let's just pray we're not too late. :)
Steve
Gary,
I tend to agree, but there has to be a few that are worth keeping - there just has to be. :)
Steve
Steve they are totally out of touch with reality and live in their own little world. I'm with Tony and Darcy term limits for sure so we can get rid of the lifers. One of our state senators Carl Levin has been in office since 1979 and our state is in shambles. I think people need to start paying attention and not just voting straight ticket or better yet for someone whose name they know. I say anyone in longer than 4 years is OUT.
Ed and Cindy,
I think your 4-year rule is a great place to start. We might let someone stay behind that who's doing a good job, but that's a good starting point. :)
Steve
Steve - The problem is getting enough people interested to make a difference. There's still plenty of voter apathy when election day comes, and many of those who do vote, can't even name their own representatives.
The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. Winston Churchill
Steve, We just don't understand. They need their yearly pay raises, 4 day work weeks, fabulous heath care. How can we expect them to read bills, fly coach, work 5 days, and use the health care system their sentencing the rest of us to?
John,
The challenge is getting enough educated, passionate people to vote to make a difference. :)
Steve
Paul,
I know. Life is so hard for the chosen few. :)
Steve
Steve, if you were one of those wonderful stand up politicians that you're talking about, would you really want to ride in a plane full of American citizens? I mean, think about it ... turbulence might get pretty rough. Great post.
Suesan,
They might really hear what people want by doing so. Thanks. :)
Steve
Hi Steve:
This stuff should outrage all of us...
How ridiculous...
This is exactly what we should cut, not approve.
Toula,
Get a large group of us assembled and that nasty old budget that no one can ever cut - I bet we'd have that thing pared back in no time. :)
Steve
and the vote was overwhelming. Our government is totally out of control, and we have to throw out the old and bring in the new....in both parties. America is speaking and I love it. This is a great country. When all look like the foundation of our country was being destroyed, Americans have spoken up. It is going to be a nasty battle for awhile. Love it.......
Maybe Congress should just appropriate those corporate jets from the auto industry... as collateral on the loans.
Tim,
I agree. This could be the best thing that has happened to us in years - to get us back on the straight and narrow. :)
Steve
Georgina,
I thought about that but Congress doesn't need the jets. :)
Steve
Steve - it's just amazing - the double standards that are out there for politicians / the rest of the world. Just makes me angry....
Hi Steve
As our unemployment continues to raise in our inter-cities, a half a billion dollars is being wasted on congressional jets.Washington is totally disconnected and out of control.
The new solgan should be "THERE WILL BE CHANGE IN 2010."
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
April,
It should make all of us angry to the point of removing nearly everyone of them. :)
Steve
Lou,
Let's let a bunch of these arrogant Congesspeople experience unemployment. :)
Stev
It seems that there are such double standards in even local and state government. I am amazed at rules that apply to the public but often not to government officials or their buildings.
There is only one infallible, unstoppable way to get Term Limits: NEVER REELECT ANY INCUMBENT!
Most folks think I am too unreasonable in asking everyone to NEVER REELECT ANYONE IN CONGRESS. They think it’s an extremist position. But that’s the whole point! Congress will never listen to us UNLESS we scare the bejesus out of them! To drive the point home, NEVER REELECT ANYONE IN CONGRESS.
The closer we get to a “Voter’s One-Term Congress”, the closer we’ll get to real term limits on Congress, and thus a “Citizen’s Congress.
There is only one way to make term limits happen : The American voter can IMPOSE term limits on Congress by NEVER REELECTING anyone in Congress. In other words, don't let anyone serve more than one term. That's the only way to teach them that the voter is boss! The “one term limit” can be eased AFTER we citizens get control of Congress.
Congress will never allow us to constitutionally term limit them. Our only choice is to NEVER REELECT them.
Remember too, it makes no difference who you vote for, as long as it is NEVER any incumbent.
Backup for this reasoning follows:
NEVER REELECT ANYONE IN CONGRESS
I believe that even a little success in a campaign to NEVER REELECT ANYONE IN CONGRESS would move us a long way toward a revolutionary change in American politics, much like 1776. Some of the reasons in favor of this approach:
• Gives us a one-term, term limited Congress without using amendments
• It would be supported by 70% of the country who want term limits Congress
• It is completely non-partisan
• If repeated, it ends career politicians dominating Congress
• It opens the way to a “citizen Congress”
• It ends the seniority system that keeps freshmen powerless
• It doesn’t cost you any money. Just don’t vote for any incumbent
• It is the only infallible, unstoppable way to “Throw All the Bums Out”
• It takes effect immediately on Election Day
NEVER REELECT ANYONE IN CONGRESS.
Nelson Lee Walker of tenurecorrupts.com
Steve - this is the "do as I say not as I congress".
Steve,
I am amazed by that as well. It seems like they are above everything they discuss or pass. :)
Steve
Nelson,
I rhink there might be a few keepers in the bunch, but your plan is a mixed blessing. This would cause them to focus on their job rather than re-election. On the other hand it doesn't matter how (or if) they vote if they are going to be able to serve again. :)
Steve
Mike,
Not just this one, but this may be the worst. There are some real stinkers who have been in there way too long. :)
Steve
Steve,
Your viewpoint is always refreshing! Thanks for another good one. : )
Georgia,
Thanks for sharing that. Good to hear from you. :)
Steve
Not real surprising - If the health care bill passes, I hope they are the first to enroll in that trainwreck.
Ryan,
That would take some real doing. They have carefully excluded themselves from this mess. :)
Steve