PREAMBLE:
My very few words that follow were stimulated by a lifetime of beliefs (mine) in the United States of America (my country, and yours as well). Wearing the uniform of our American army during a war has perhaps given me, and a very select group of comrades, men and women, an unequalled opportunity to serve, and be counted as part of what I believe to be the most altruistic nation in the history of the world.
The questions (mine), which follow, have lingered within my mind set for all the years of my adult life.
- Why do young men and women serve in the United States Military for 20 years, risking there lives protecting freedom, receive only 50% of their pay at retirement, while Politicians hold they’re political positions in the safe confines of the capital, and receive full pay retirement after serving one term? It doesn’t make sense.
- Staffers of Congress family members are exempt from having to pay back student loans.
- Governors of 35 states have filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon them.
- For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress.
- Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term.
- Congress specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as beingexempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws.
- Congress exempts themselves from the Healthcare Reform… in all of its forms.
Somehow, it doesn’t seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don’t care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever, the self-serving must stop.
My name is Harvey Kalmenson, I am a proud citizen of the United States of America.
I believe in equality. I don’t believe our elected officials, regardless of party affiliation, are paying a legitimate homage to my beliefs as stipulated in the constitution of the United States.
While they bask, I take task after task in an honest attempt to overcome the debacle they so recklessly have placed me in.
In short, I am thoroughly pissed off. I have never missed voting in an election, and I will be there to evoke my rights, once again in November. Please join me.
HK
behind all of these facts 'n sentiments 100%… rog
Hi Harvey-
I don't understand why us Americans put up with this? It seems unlawful and downright UNFAIR that congress should have all these priviledges. Why do us Americans put up with it? Why hasn't there been some kind of peaceful revolt?
I have to believe that things will change….especially for those Americans who serve in the military, those who put their lives on the line for our freedom!
Warm regards,
Judy Greenberg
Always have, always will. Voting is a responsibility and a privilege.
I applaud your anger. But then, I'm an Army wife. My husband was injured in Iraq. Good luck to you on your crusade.
Problem being so many of the electorate don't have a clue. The average citizen pays little attention to whats going on. I have friends, well to do, good solid folks and when I mention something like you write about they had no idea and want to know how I know. My response is "I watch the news". I look things up. I want to be informed. There normal response is "I don't watch the news". Their life is good, haven't been affected by the ongoing recession so therefore they think all is well. The Washington elite for the most part don't have a clue to what the average person is going thru and I don't think they really care. The perks they have givin themselves proves it.