I noticed an article about a man wanting the mayor and council of Paulsboro, NJ to give up their salaries in order to cut property taxes. At first, I thought it was nonsense but the more I thought about it, I thought-why not? Duly elected officials are supposed to be the servants of the American people. At least that is how it started out to be. I wonder how many in congress would be willing to give up their salaries for the good of the country? Hard to believe that any of them would in light of the fact that every year, they manage to give themselves a raise no matter how bad the economy is.

When this country was founded and in the midst of a bloody war with England, there wasn't much money to finance it. The continental congress did not impose huge taxes or write money, they contributed their own funds. Congressmen and senators actually sold their properties, and cleaned out their bank accounts to assure that our troops had the things they needed to continue the fight for freedom. Many lost everything, including their families. They were blacklisted and considered traitors. Some where executed, some fought side by side with the farmer, blacksmith, fisherman, school teacher and even preacher. Do you think they actually had the thought they were just like everyone else? Do you think that they considered it their duty to assure the safety and prosperity of every American, even if it meant personal sacrifice? Do you think our congress, with their 8% approval rating, would dare to become a patriot like our forefathers? I think not. However, they deserve a chance to prove themselves. So, let the call go out, that every person holding office in the house and the senate that grosses over one million dollars per year, forfeit their salary for the next two years which can be renewed should the economy warrant it.

How much money would be saved in just salaries alone if all 435 members of congress forfeited their salaries- $73,645,500! That does not include benefits. Mind you, that is not a huge figure considering the deficit or the so-called bailout funds but if more cost effective policies were practiced, the budget would soon come into balance.

Is it unreasonable to put forth such a request? Was it so for the founding fathers? Had they not financed that war, what would have been the result? Between 1789-1856, the US congress was paid per diem according to their attendance. If they did not show up for a session, they did not get paid. There's a concept, getting paid for actual work. How many in our congress today would face huge reductions in salary for poor attendance?

The members of congress have become their own boss. They do not answer to anyone. They do not have to perform, or show any progress. They get paid big salaries, though most of them are millionaires. They fly all over the world, have huge expense accounts, and live lavished lives with no accountability. Why in the world would we expect them to hold the big  finance giants to account for the taxpayers money?

Changes need to be made and it needs to start with our elected officials. Not in the laws they pass, not in the programs they write, but in the performance, accountability, and ethical behavior of each and every member. Start with no salary and see how many bailout when their term is up. See how many show up for the sessions then. See how many truly work for the people or themselves. Interesting concept, too bad it's just a thought.

 

Just like the Greatest Generation, we have a challenge before us that we must win. It may not be rolling tanks through the streets of Berlin, or even in the streets of Bagdad, but it is a war on the very principles that got us to both places. As Hitler championed his power over the Jews and tried to annihilate them, so does the radical thinkers of today. They are not just in the Middle East, they are here in America. They seek to divide and destroy our way of life, our beliefs, our foundations, and our country. Hate did not die with Hitler, it lives on, just turn on the TV and listen to the celebrities spewing their garbage and vulgarities. Liberalism has become a breeding ground for hate and it will not get any better unless they exposed. They hide behind good deeds; giving money to worth while causes like poverty and cancer, adopting African children, helping the planet and taking care of the beasts of field. What noble and upright people they are. I can't say all liberals are the same but when you walk in the same circle, day after day, the dirt rubs off on you.

Conservatives are fighting a war and it seems that the other side is winning when you have a liberal news media. We have been that silent majority from the past, and will not be silenced any longer. It takes guts to stand up in a room full of liberals and speak your mind when you know you will be ridiculed. Peer pressure doesn't go away when you become an adult. It is probably half the reason many conservatives sit quietly in congress.

We have to encourage one another, do our homework and stand up in any way we can. Write letters to the editors of your local newspapers. Sometimes, the comments are overwhelmingly liberal but if one or two conservatives writes a letter, it will encourage others to do the same. Go to your town meetings and speak your mind. Better yet, get involved in the local government. That is where middle America is being changed, don't let your piece of the world go to the dogs.