Gail Collins illustrating the process behind much of our current political dysfunction:
Once politicians get to Congress, they become acquainted with people who are truly rich. That’s pretty much a necessity because re-election is something else you cannot generally buy for a million dollars. Suddenly, they’re hanging out with folks who have private jets and four houses.Eventually, many lawmakers begin to feel as though they are making an enormous sacrifice by holding public office for $174,000 a year. And then they’re off to a D.C. law firm or lobbying job, which will pay them huge salaries for knowing the people they know. It will never occur to them that if voters had not given them that stint of public service, they would be processing divorce cases back home in East Cupcake.
My take:
Congressmen spend more time on the phone with potential donors now than they do on the floor or in committee. This can help explain the apparently glacial legislative pace in Congress. More importantly, though, it points out where the interests of legislators really lie. Accountability to donors that can be enforced in a number of ways but principally through high-paying non-jobs post-Congress. Promise favors to a donor, follow through and then get $250,000 for 40 minutes of talking once you've given up your seat.
Congressmen spend more time on the phone with potential donors now than they do on the floor or in committee. This can help explain the apparently glacial legislative pace in Congress. More importantly, though, it points out where the interests of legislators really lie. Accountability to donors that can be enforced in a number of ways but principally through high-paying non-jobs post-Congress. Promise favors to a donor, follow through and then get $250,000 for 40 minutes of talking once you've given up your seat.
