Salary Cap Politicians - How to fix corrupt government . . .
74POLITICS BREED CORRUPTION
We hold this truth to be self evident, POLITICS BREED CORRUPTION — but they do not have to.
I think it is fair to say that most human beings are essentially good. Very few people are born monsters, just as very few are born saints. Most of us become who we are through experience. Believe it or not, government officials are people just like you and me, (ya I know, it is kind of hard to believe, just bare with me). Politicians are public servants, and most people get into public service because they want to help others; they want to make the world a better place to live.
I think that most members of government start off their careers wanting to make the world a better place. I think they want to do right by the people and improver their country. Unfortunately for these young idealists the political system has been filled with lies and corruption for the duration of recorded history and most likely far before the written word. How can we expect any one lone political prospect to stand up against thousands of years of corrupt tradition? I think the answer is we can not. But do not fear, there is a solution; there is yet hope for the entire political system — but its chances are bleak.
New Laws
When politicians take office they take an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States; unfortunately this oath is not enough to keep most on the straight and narrow. They get kick backs from lobbyist, corporate boards, foreign nationals, even wealthy individuals. These kick backs can come in the form of anything from tickets to a sporting event to a lucrative career earning high dollars once they finish their term in office. In fact there is no limit to the forms which corruption can rear its ugly head. But it all has a common thread that can be eliminated. That common thread is personal gain through means other than payment by the government they work for.
To greatly reduce the amount of corruption in our government all we need to do is make it illegal for politicians to have any outside income while they are in office, or for a duration after their term ends. If a politicians calling is truly to help the people and to help better the world, then their government salaries should be all the reward they need. I know I would be willing to take an oath to serve my country for the sake of serving my country, and not for what money or power it may gain me in the future — and I am a selfish person. So I am sure there are a lot of good, intelligent people out their who would be willing to do the same. I am sure that we would loose most of our current politicians; to them I say 'Good Riddance.'
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How It Will Work
I will now tell you my ideas of how this could work. On the federal level I would say anyone holding an elected federal office such as the senate, House of Representatives, or president, would have to take an oath not only to uphold the constitution, but also to accept no other compensation from any source for the duration of their term and for ten years after their term is completed. During the ten years after their term they would be provided with an annual salary equal to that of their salary while in office with allowances for price of living increases. After the ten years they would still not be allowed to work for any company their decisions while in office directly affected in any way. An elected state official would be held to the same standards as federal officials but their obligation would be up five years after their term ends.
When I say they would receive no other compensation, I mean no other compensation. This means any real estate other than one home would need to be sold prior to taking office. All stocks would have to be sold prior to taking office. No dividend payouts would be aloud of any kind. Any businesses owned would have to be sold or transferred. Any money they have at the time of taking office could only be invested in bonds, CDs or a standard money market account. Their own money could of course be spent while they are in office but it could not be invested in any way shape or form. The politician's spouse would be held to the same standard as the politician; they could have no investments or businesses.
I know the system I have mentioned above is a little vague. It still leaves some room for corruption, but I guarantee corruption would be reduced greatly. I know there are those of you out their who will say it sounds like socialist idea — to you I say they have the option not to run for office. A politician should be a servant to the people they represent. They should not be using the people they are suppose to be serving for their own personal gain, often at the expense of the peoples rights and the welfare of the country. It is time for We the People to mean something to the people who swear an oath to it.
I ask any of you who agree with this article to share it with everyone you know.
Together we can make a difference.
Political Pages of Badd, John B
- Americas Financial Crisis - What Can We Do About the Recession? What Should We Do?
let social-economic nature take its course . . . If we prop-up economic structures they will eventually fall . . . caused this economic recession with our greed and selfish behavior. It started in the 90s with the tech boom
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Could the above system work?
Could the above system work?
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John there are some very good points here, removing the temptation from humans is a start. I think there should be no lobbiests and no campaign contributions as a starting point. You should not be able to buy a government. Put you mind back to the last Presidential race, the race between Clinton and Obama for money. This was a left wing party for the people - wow I thought how people have lost perspective.
I agree with the point of no income during term but I don't think you can limit people after - maybe the fields if they are related but it is a free economy and country - supposedly I know :(
I think also this will breed career politicians which is what you don't what - that is what you got - if you are right leaning you despise the Clintons, Obamas etc that have been career politicians and sell out for the bucks. On the left you despise people like the Bushs who have no need for a job or income being from the monetary elite class. I just think the idea limits attracting the man or woman who really could make a difference. You need to break down the barriers to those people.
There is plenty of merit in your ideology though - enjoyed the discussion.
Thanks for the feedback Billy. I did not consider the career politics aspect of this. We do already have that though. Maybe we could change the selection process as well to give people better choices. I think a show like American Idol but for presidents could work but it would not get anywhere near the ratings if they did not sing.
I do think we can limit how they earn money after their term; if they are still paid after serving then they could still be considred employees, just silent ones. It would be similar to having a no compete claus after you work for a company, I have signed them before so i know it is legal.
I think this whole system would attract people who wanted to do right anyway, so the corruption would eventualy fade. Thier would always be deals under the table but when they get caught you have to deal swiftly and harshly. No fines that thier banking sponsers could pay off they would have to serve manditory hard time in a prison. This white collar prison system is just an enabling country club for crooked power mongers.
The biggest obstical would be getting it past the people who are already in office, and they are the ones who would have to vote for it. The only other way would be for the people to squeez it onto the ballot and you would need a president with true ideals to help with that.
Yes there are merits - the career aspect is compounded by ending the existing politicians to change the status quo - that will be hard. the American idol would be interesting - probably work knowing the way our public is so dumbed down these days!
We have to make being a politician an honor again, an honor to serve that is the big ask. With that has to break down the corruption and perception. I am not sure how you do it other than having a real strong leader not just a good talker with lots of dollars behind him.
Once people realize they have been plundered by the bankers and politicians than they will be mighty angry but will it be too late???
Watcha John,
'I think it is fair to say that most human beings are essentially good.' But you're talking about politicians!?
Needs a lot, sorry LOT, of work. On the practical side, stocks and shares, you are proposing enforced stock sales, at a time when prices may be down? often the case at general elections, also, a sudden increase of sales can play havoc with the stock market, and can cause global problems.
The major job of governments, of any stripe, in any country, is the making and modification of legislation. ie, methods of control, they want to control, that is why they are in the job. The trouble is, with people who want to control, they tend not to have self control, that is why we have, legislation banning/controlling, say, prostitution, but the biggest, wealthiest, most successful brothels in any country are within striking distance of the seat of government. Do as I say, not as I do. Look at the debacle we recently had in the UK with expenses, it's all over, turn over a new leaf, a general election and new government is just a few weeks old and we already have a minister standing down because of expenses fraud.
Sorry, political corruption is a fact of life, I doubt that it ever will go away.
best
Mick
Billy I do not think it is ever too late. We might have a lot of pain and suffering before the people see the light, but they will see the light. I believe things are getting better all he time. We are in a recession so things look bleak but it is in the darker times that people reflect upon the realities of life. With information available at the speed of light it is only a matter of time before all the truth is available for those who choose to seek it. Thanks for the reply.
Love your optimism as always Mick ;). I am not suggesting that these rules should take immediate effect that would be a violation of the rights of the current seat holders. I am suggesting it should gradually be implemented as new politicians are elected (or reelected, they don't have to run again if they do not like it).
Corruption is a fact of our current system but it is not a fact of life. With the proper checks and balances we can weed out the corrupt politicians and replace them with ethical, intelligent human beings. Let us think about how many people in the 1770's were sure that monarchy was a fact of life and that it would never go away.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)
Thanks for the post.
Quote: "all we need to do is make it illegal for politicians to have any outside income while they are in office, or for a duration after their term ends."
Yikes! How long? 4 years? 10 years? 20 years? Jeezus - if it were 10 years or so, who the hell would want to work for the government?! Imagine that: you get voted out of office... but now you can't get work for 10 years! You'd starve to death! Only the masochists would run for office! If the time limit were short, say 1 year, then the pay off of becoming a lobbyist afterwards would still remain.
You say 10 years, during which they'd receive the pay they had during their time in the government. Pretty nice! I wish I got paid to do nothing! And then, after 10 years of sittin' on my bum, i could become a lobbyist -- you wouldn't be able to work "for any company your decisions while in office directly effected"... but you would know a lot of people who could write legislation that could benefit them - just have a 10 year cycle thing going. The first ten years the tobacco industry benefits, then the oil, then the fast food... or something.
Also, there's the problem that... don't all taxes affect all businesses directly? the income tax would prohibit work at any stage of life at any company! The recent health care bill would prevent any senator from work at any company that was directly affected by the health care bill.
Limiting income while in office wouldn't work: just sell your soul for the pay off afterwards (many lobbyists used to work in congress: they build up a reputation and a bunch of names, leave, then get paid millions lobbying for some company who thinks that it's easier to get money by forcing people to pay a bailout than to build a better product.)
Plus, your original statement is inaccurate: "that most human beings are essentially good." -- this is just not accurate: just look around "everyone is so greedy!! grrr!!!.... but not ME, of COURSE!!" Everyone is greedy, everyone is rude, everyone is nice, everyone is everything: that's why horoscopes work.
The truth is that people react to incentives, and continually work for their own betterment. If the payoff seems much greater than the risk, just about every single person would sell their soul to someone claiming to be the devil.
Remember that old joke: "a man and a woman are talking at a bar. The man asks 'would you have sex with me for a million dollars? just once!', to which she thinks for a while and says 'jeez, you know what? i probably would!'. He then asks 'what about for 10 bucks?'. She angrily responds '10 dollars?! What do you think I am!?'. To which he replies 'my dear lady, we already know WHAT you are, now we're just haggling over the price".
The simple fact is that people react to incentives, no matter the race, ethnicity, job, mindset, or whatever. Even animals do. The true solution is to eradicate the system which allows incentives to be generated without benefit to anyone: Government.
The simpler solution: quit the thing that causes corruption. Just get rid of big government (all of government would be best, but I'd settle for a return to the Constitution). Think about it: no one could get money by simply stealing it from each other! You'd actually have to work hard to acquire wealth.
Thanks for the comment Evan.
I like my idea better. You can not have the government you had in 1783, the world has changed. You can get rid of all social programs and government regulations. This would suck for the people. I know you like corporations (which is why you might not believe most people are good, it's the circles you run in), but we do not want corporations dictating our lives for us. You can say they would not, but the reason we have seat belt laws and motorcycle helmet laws, and no riding in the back of pick up truck laws (even though i did this my entire child hood and am still alive), and are getting all the smoking laws, is that insurance companies do not want to pay out if they do not have to. The insurance companies do not want us to have heart attacks so guess who is next on their list, watch out Ronald McDonald.
The fact is the government does not run our lives, corporations and banks do using the government as their front men. You want to knock out the middle man, which is the only part "we the people" have any say over. Let's just hand power over to Wall Street completely.
Sorry brother not on my watch.
John, I applaud you for looking for a solution but I think banning people from making other income is (dare I say) anti-american. What if I'm a member of congress but I also am an artist. That means I can't sell my art?
I agree with you that there is a lot of opportunity for conflict but I think your measure goes too far.
There is a solution as a starting point. Check out the "fair elections now act." It is a campaign finance reform bill. It would go a long way towards removing conflict of interest.
Further, one 'radical' idea I have is to make congress take an oath before speaking on the house floor. This will help the people get the real truth on a bill. When republicans were speaking on the house floor saying that Health Care reform had "death Panels", "gave coverage to illegals," etc, they would now be punishable by fines or worse.
Same goes for Dems that may be blatantly lying.
LRC thank you for reading. I will check out the "fair elections now act" as soon as I have time to sit down and study it and I will respond here when I do. I do think oaths are important, but they will only work if the person taking them is honorable; we all know there is no shortage of cheats and liars in political positions.
I do however have to stand my ground on the above proposed resolution. I will start by answering you question about art with a resounding 'No'. Under this system if you are a member of congress and an artist you would not be able to sell your art. I recognize the significance of art to our history and culture, but an artist will receive no rights under this system that a CEO, lawyer, farmer or day trader would not. It is not anti-American and I will show you why.
Our military personnel take an oath to defend our nation. They give up many of the freedoms we Americans exercise on a daily basis. They can no longer quit their job when ever they want to. They can not have a second job unless their commanders permit them to. Often times they can not step out of a literal line to use the restroom without permission. As any drill instructor if the military is a democracy and you will probably is told "We are here to secure democracy not to practice it." But they are defiantly American. They are doing a job that allows the rest of us to enjoy the very freedoms they have sacrificed. How is congress different?
An elected official chooses to run for office. It is not forced upon them. In an ideal world the official would take office to be a servant of the people and do what is in the best interest of the people. But in our society many people take office to further their own personal agendas despite what is best for the people. This has to stop if we want our nation to survive the next century. Look to the rise and fall of Rome if you want to see what happens to a corrupt republic. We can not let history repeat itself here.
Till next time . . .
I loved the article. And the idea is a start. And it could work with some work. But I like you think it is in all liklyhood not going to happen. Sadly. But keep up the good work man. \m/
Thanks for reading T-Dubb, we will not see real change until we eleminate the two party scam . . . er . . . I mean system.
JBB,
remember the really good old days congress would recess in Summer and the senators etc would GO HOME TO WORK....planting Harvesting- WORKING-
Thats the first problem-
The second is the job is too cushy-Lifetime pension, lifetime healthcare-yhats better than the "Piblic option".
you are right 2 party SCAM-
Unfortunately it seems members of 1 party are sticking to their social progams and handouts while the other side and mushy mmiddle are looking for "REAL CHANGE THEY CAN BELIEVE IN".... good job - But remember no politician will propose any change to the existing GRAVY TRAIN SYSTEM...Basically they are planning to eat the goose thats laying the Golden eggs...(US)
TH
You are right Tom, they will not change this themselves. It would have to be put to a vote by the people and forced upon them by "We The People".
Great idea maybe, but I think your on the wrong track. Corruption is the inevitable result of the government being involved in areas it should not be. In other words socialism. Look at the history of socialism it is either completely corrupt or tyrannical or both. Corruption starts the moment politicians are given the constitutional power to spend money on Pork. Corruption will end when paid politicians are not allowed to spend money on Pork. It is that simple. And if people are not smart enough to figure out the proper role of government they really earn the tyranny they suffer under.
Thanks for stopping by Berrtus and letting me know you think I am on the wrong track. I have taken your comments into short consideration. I understand where you are coming from, after all I have many friends on the "right" who think I am left and many friends on the "left" who think I am wrong but "right." If I am on the wrong track it is only because government officials are the ones who vote on there own pay and pay raises and no official would ever allow what I am proposing to go through. It would take an act of the people and a revolution of government power for my idea to take affect.
I agree socialism does not function properly; it breeds greed and corruption and the working class is kept in the gutter and fed scraps with no way of rising up. Capitalism also breeds greed and corruption but at least through hard work and a little luck even the lowliest of us can rise up and achieve greatness. Therefore I will choose capitalism above socialism. However capitalism would work so much better if we did not have politicians who served there own self interest over that of the people. How could we achieve that? See above!
John B Badd Hub Author 2 years ago
Thanks nagarajnow. I would like to see this happen but I know it is unlikely.