we elect our politicians, so why can't we decide what they get paid?

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   Michele Travisposted 12 years ago

   We elect them, that is kind of like hiring them.  If you hire someone, you can decide what they get paid.  Is there a reason we cannot do this?
   This is just one of the things I am wondering about.
   I think about too much to put it on one page.

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      lobobrandonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      So who's going to decide it - you or me? Someone's got to right.
      There will be an election for this as well then

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      Wayne Brownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      The jobs of elected positions in the Congress of the federal government were never intended to be full-time positions of service. The intent was to have the Congress meet twice a year and take care of the necessary business of the limited federal government. Those who have been entrusted with the office have worked over time to increase the size and scope of government thus justifying the broad responsibilitie they have to the people and along with it rationalizing a six-figure salary and outrageous benefits to go with it. In essence, these people have licensed themselves to "steal" from the American taxpayer and mask it behind the veil of responsible government.  WB

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      Josakposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      your absolutely right, politicians need to be paid less (as you posted in your hub) because otherwise it creates a gulf between those who represnt the people and the people themselves. Public service should be a sacrifice to the people not a way to make outrageous sums of money.

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      Evan G Rogersposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Duh, you can - you let them vote for how much they pay themselves.
      
      ...
      
      Vote libertarian, vote Ron Paul.
      
      Part of Ron Paul's Plan to Restore America Now:
      Lower the president's pay to just under $40k/year.

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         Michele Travisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         The word "Duh" tells another person they are stupid.  It usually insults them.  So, using the word "Duh" before you ask  to someone vote for the person you want to become president, is a negetive action.  Perhaps in the future, when you wish to advise someone to vote for Ron Paul, you should not use the word "Duh"  By the way, that is only part of Ron Paul's plan.  Look at how he plans to defend the country, and perhaps a few other things.

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            Evan G Rogersposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Oh, my post was sarcasm. I'm sorry.
            
            I was making fun of the obvious idiocy of "electing people who then are allowed to decide how much we will pay them".
            
            Imagine that! You get hired by a company, and then YOU tell THEM how much you'll get paid.
            
            No offense! I was making fun of the system!

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               Michele Travisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               No,  I am sorry, please forgive me for taking offense.  Thank you for making fun of the system.

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2. 67

   Michele Travisposted 12 years ago

   We hired them.  We can fire them.  We are the ones who vote them into office.  We the people can take more power then most of the politicians think we can.  I am not talking about the people who are sitting up on Wall Street.  I am thinking more about electing officials who represent what we want.  Not what they want.  Is there any way we can get what we want to actually happen?  Any way we can change things?  I am asking things, I want answers for.  So many people know a lot more then I do!

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   Moderndayslaveposted 12 years ago

   We are having all of these problems because Americans are too stupid to vote these morons out after 1 or 2 terms , some have been on the public dole for over 30 years..Sorry but,Stop me when I'm lying.When was the last time you gave yourself a raise?

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      Michele Travisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I can't  I am on disality for severe epilepsy.  I have surgery for it at the Cleveland Clinic   in September of 2010.  I still have to take over 15 pills per day, because when I have a seizure I stop breathing.  The worst time was about 2 minutes.  They started to bag me, but I started to breath again.  I put the picture of my ugly bald head on my profile.  Other then that, I would work as hard as I could, work for a raise, and do the best I could.

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   geordmcposted 12 years ago

   Unfortunately, Gov't voted in an amendment to the constitution so they could vote themselves raises several years ago. You didn't know that? That is why they are getting paid $175,000 per year. All the while not being worth $20,000 in a decade. Disgusting isn't it?

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      Moderndayslaveposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes it is disgusting.  They work for us and we need to fix this.it's referendum time.

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   Midasfxposted 12 years ago

   I must be completely mad. I think they should get paid what ever the industry pays. Just like every other job in the world.  So if they are self regulating their own industry let them. They don't work for us in the sense that we are their boss or the owner of the company, I'm pretty sure that we don't write a company check to these people. I can almost guarantee that you can't waltz up to your local congressman, and tell him you need a 4 page essay on his views of international monetary policy, and have him actually do it.
   
   
   Our political salaries aren't even that bad compared to some other countries, like Singapore. The prime minister of Singapore earns a yearly salary of over $2.85 million. Even the prime minister of Kenya gets paid more than our president.
   
   As Americans we are the stupidest people on this planet, the last thing that we should be able to do is pick and choose what other people get paid. We want control over everything, but the fact is, we already have too much control.

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      Michele Travisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank God we have control.  At least our president has not been killing those who do not agree with him.

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   psycheskinnerposted 12 years ago

   We elect the people who decide what they are paid--if you don't like their choices, vote them out and send a letter saying why.

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      Michele Travisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Best answer.

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