Who would want to be in Congress?

d-ray657 · #1 01-20-2010, 03:09 PM

I have read a lot of terrific ideas on this board from a variety of participants. Of course, Congress has been a favorite punching bag. Most people here think Congress does a lousy job. We all probably think we could do better.

Here are my questions:

How many here would actually want to hold a seat in Congress?

Would you be concerned about the number of compromises you would have to make to be elected? Or do you you think you could get elected with no compromises?

How long do you think you could avoid the seductive feeling of power and the effect of Lobbyists fawning all over you?

How long would it take you to get convinced that, however powerful your position might appear, you are really powerless to get something worthwhile enacted before it was watered down and perverted by political maneuvering?

Why would anyone else want to have that job?

Am I a cynic?

Regards,

D-Ray

Grumpy · #2 01-20-2010, 03:16 PM

Sure I'll bite. Always wanted a job where I got paid to do nothing.

Writewing · #3 01-20-2010, 03:20 PM

The people who have that sort of Arrogance to think they should be in political office are so self absorbed with power and ambition their soul is of no value to them to begin with.

doucanoe · #4 01-20-2010, 03:22 PM

I'd serve, but only if there were term limits.

I'd hate to find myself in the Paul Wellstone quandary of going back on my promise to the people, and making a career out of it.

RC

rickr15 · #5 01-20-2010, 03:27 PM

1. Yes
2.Compromise is part of Democracy. As long as I didn't have to compromise my principals.

3. I would like to think I'm above all that.(would I be?) I also think many corrupt politicians start out with good intentions. Money and power are a hell of an aphrodisiac.

4. If you aren't worried about re-election I think you can get a lot done. Much of the watering down comes from delegates more concerned with a career in congress than their constituents.

5.Plus you can't beat the health and retirement package. Its like winning the lotto.

rickr15 · #6 01-20-2010, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Writewing

The people who have that sort of Arrogance to think they should be in political office are so self absorbed with power and ambition their soul is of no value to them to begin with.

Thats why I always thought instead of electing officials we should conscript them like the draft. They couldn't do any worse than the "proffesionals" currently stinking it up and would probably try a lot harder to actually do the right thing.

Plus look at all the campaign financing we the taxpayers would no longer have to pay for.

d-ray657 · #7 01-20-2010, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Sure I'll bite. Always wanted a job where I got paid to do nothing.

It would be hard for me to turn down a salary in the $200K neighborhood. I might wonder what it is worth, however, when the devil wants his due.

Regards,

D-Ray

d-ray657 · #8 01-20-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Writewing

The people who have that sort of Arrogance to think they should be in political office are so self absorbed with power and ambition their soul is of no value to them to begin with.

When I am feeling my most cynical, I agree with you on this one. See previous post.

Regards,

D-Ray

Writewing · #9 01-20-2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d-ray657

When I am feeling my most cynical, I agree with you on this one. See previous post.

Regards,

D-Ray

I am gonna cherish this forever

d-ray657 · #10 01-20-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doucanoe

I'd serve, but only if there were term limits.

I'd hate to find myself in the Paul Wellstone quandary of going back on my promise to the people, and making a career out of it.

RC

Based on your comment on taxing the hell out of the job-exporting corporations, you would have at least vote from one of the posters on another thread here. I for one, would enjoy harassing you if you ever held a town hall meeting.

Regards,

D-Ray