Where are the Millionaires?
71I am posing a question today, and I would love to hear some answers and opinions on this topic. Who among you readers personally know someone who is a millionaire? I surely don't know any; in fact, I doubt that most people I know have a net worth approaching anything CLOSE to a million dollars. Now, let me share a fact that I heard on the radio and took time to independently verify-- nearly 44% of our members of the U.S. congress are MILLIONAIRES! Am I the only person who finds this deeply disturbing? I truly hope not.
To begin, why are these people so concerned with the healthcare system of the "average" American citizen? The healthcare these members of government are afforded is far better than any private insurance available to us citizens. Yet, they have spent countless hours and countless taxpayer dollars to try and re-form OUR healthcare. Remember, the members of congress are NOT willing to give up this platinum coverage that they have, but they want to change our coverage even though the majority of Americans are satisfied with their insurance. With the wealth these people control, THEY should be the ones getting a healthcare reform. Maybe they should buy and use private insurance instead of sucking off the public teat--they could EASILY afford it.
Additionally, they get a pay raise EVERY year. Why? Because they have the power to vote to give themselves a raise. I think every citizen should be able to vota a raise for themselves--also payed for by the taxpayers. I think a tax cut could accomplish that. However, a tax cut for us means less money for them to spend on their special interest group buddies. Why did the members give themselves another raise this year, but the retired folks--who paid into the system for YEARS were not granted a COLA (cost of living allowance) increase. Those older citizens had no choice but to be satisfied with a $250.00 one-time payment. WOW!!! That could buy a few groceries, but I don't see any large expenditures with that huge amount.
This info was startling to me to say the least. Out of the 435 members of the U.S. house of representatives (you know--the ones lead by the amazingly vapid Pelosi?) 123 of these people reported income in excess of 1 MILLION dollars last year. Again, how many millionaires do you know?
Now, in the U.S. senate, where there are 100 members, nearly 35% of them are millionaires. That means that out of every three senators, one is a millionaire!!! I find this very troubling. I think it also explains some of the attitude problems that emmanate from Washington. I mean, THEY have all the money and healthcare--as well as annual pay raises--they could want or need. What is wrong with the citizens of this country that we don't trust them?
Please remember, though some of these legislators did earn this money, many of them inherited or married it. Since they are so flush with cash, why don't THEY volunteer to pay for healthcare for the uninsured instead of taking from you and me to pay for it. Make a list of the uninsured that WANT insurance, and let these legislators sign up to underwrite their healthcare. I know, that is somewhat too sensible for those idiots.
Let me finish by saying that in America as a whole, only ONE PERCENT of the citizens are millionaires. Maybe the disconnect with our EMPLOYEES in DC is that they are so rich and obviously so smart, why should they listen to us? Remember this when it is time to vote in 2010.
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I know a millionaire, his wife, and his kids. They don't have to work, they have 4 houses in exclusive communities throughout the United States, and they fly private jets whenever they travel. They could not be more gracious or polite.
Regarding our Congresspeople: pay 'em a million dollars a year and do everything possible to remove their incentive to sell-out to lobbyists. We'd get a much better class of candidates if we paid them what they are worth. The best and brightest among us are generally too smart to subject themselves and their families to national politics.
They're currently underpaid anyway. They have to maintain two residences and travel back and forth between them. Washington DC isn't exactly an inexpensive place to live.
nicomp--Thank you for answering my query. I have to disagree about you opinions on our legislators. I think they are very well compensated. Our founders never intended for people to make a career in Washington. They wanted people to get elected, serve, and go back home. The way things are now, they stay in DC for so long that they are completely out-of-touch with the average citizen they are to represent.
Sheri,
I don't know any millionaires personally. I was a freshman at WVU when our great Senator Rockefeller brought his bride Sharon Percy Rockefeller(Daughter of Senator Charles Percy-R Ill.) along with their carpetbags to W.Va. as Vista volunteers to save us poor hillbillys in West Virginia by changing his political affiliation to democrat since 2/3 of the state was registered that way. About 2 years later he ran and won election as Secretary of State. He still participates in managing the Rockefeller family fortune along with all of his cousins and with his Uncle David a member of the Bildeberger Group.
This is hardly a portrait of a man of the people.
Dear Sheri,
You have hit the nail on the head. Members of Congress are disconnected from their constituency. Once they get elected, for a lot of them, it's all about keeping their jobs forever. Once you achieve the status of a "millionaire" why give it up? Therein lies the problem for the rest of us.
@SheriSapp: I agree they are disconnected, but they don't forget their roots unless they were raised with a silver spoon in their mouth. It's too easy to dismiss their behavior by describing them as disconnected; they need to take responsibility for their actions.
This is what I have been wondering, how can all these congressmen become rich in office, when their salary is less than $200 G. I believe most of these to be thieves.
The company I work for does not let me keep an profits or patients on my work. The money goes to the company.
I think the same should apply to members of congess. If the write a book while in office, about thier experiences, or give a talk and get paid for it, they money should go to the government.
By the way, I live in Iowa, where all the farmers have a net worth of a million, several times over. And they keep getting subsidies from the government.
Keep on Hubbing.
Everybody--thanks for your thoughts and input.
I tell you where the rich people are, their population are getting smaller because the liberal polician took their money and gave it to those who are willing to work but they are too lazy to get a job.
I am against the poor, it just that I rather see them struggle to make end meet making seven to eight dollar an hour job than see them sit on their butt at home while one third of our tax dollar went toward their pocket.
Very interesting article. Thanks for keeping me up to date with what's happening in America.
nicomp says:
5 weeks ago
I know a millionaire, his wife, and his kids. They don't have to work, they have 4 houses in exclusive communities throughout the United States, and they fly private jets whenever they travel. They could not be more gracious or polite.
Regarding our Congresspeople: pay 'em a million dollars a year and do everything possible to remove their incentive to sell-out to lobbyists. We'd get a much better class of candidates if we paid them what they are worth. The best and brightest among us are generally too smart to subject themselves and their families to national politics.
They're currently underpaid anyway. They have to maintain two residences and travel back and forth between them. Washington DC isn't exactly an inexpensive place to live.