What justified the explosion from the original reimbursements for elected officials to the present pay scales that are approximately double the average working wage? Yes, times have changed but still! No wonder political science courses have soared in popularity! What other career offers starting wages at the same level as the experienced worker?
What began as a compensation for time and service has ballooned into an instant reward for merely showing up! This might exaggerate a bit but really, the numbers of those majoring in political science is an infallible testament. After all, along with a degree, graduation comes with a sizable debt load. So, with all these circumstances in play, the individual selected by today’s political machinery, obediently follows the party line.
This scenario obviously blurs any patriotic impulse or thought of sacrifice to serve for the betterment of country. Now, it’s a career with a money in, money out formula. However, as mom always said about that dark cloud having a silver lining, there is hope with this new Administration’s policy of fiscal restraint and budget slicing.
Previously unknown to our people were the scads of federal buildings that are now being vacated, which leaves ample space for accommodating the people’s representation. With “three hots and a cot” being the bottom rung, facilities can be had for our elected officials who are only briefly in town. I mean weekends are at home as well as the summer months. And their “holidays” are not single-day events but elongated “holiday breaks!” So, these part-timers need not recline at the luxurious level!
With these temporary living quarters, those inflated salaries could also be sliced to a more everyday amount. As such, this change would represent taking the cheese out of the trap. Thus, the entire motivation for entering into a political career would be dramatically altered, but also, those that still placed their hats in the political arena would be doing so with a more noble intent: volunteering one’s personal life for the betterment of America. Therefore, the public’s representation would be more attentive and responsive.
This equates with the chances of “a snowball in hell;” without the public’s input. Such an assumption is from the core that serves one’s self rather than Country! This is the system that we pay to perpetuate. Plus, such inflated salaries act as insurance to the party so that each selection will march accordingly, and also become protective of his or her life style.
This type of deterioration was acknowledged within Thomas Jefferson’s Kentucky Resolutions; “…In questions of power then let no more be heard of confidence in man; but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” Patrick Henry, in 1774, offered, “I dread the depravity of human nature… I will never depend on so slender a protection as the possibility of being represented by virtuous men.”
Our modern day response to those wise Founders, takes a different approach. Today, we operate on the basis that they will act accordingly if we give them more than what’s needed. As events unfold, our Founder’s sentiments should become our future election guide, especially since service and sacrifice is no longer active within our governing!
