June 14, 2003
40% of Senators are Millionaires
According to CNN, 40 of the 100 current senators are millionaires. Granted $1 million isn’t what it used to be, but the statistic still demonstrates the financial dichotomy between those elected to office and the general population.
And it’s not just the Republicans who enjoy this level of wealth — while 22 are members of the GOP, 18 are Democrats. In fact, the top five on the list are Democrats.
I'm not sure what this tells us about those serving our interests in Washington. On the one hand I'd like to think that those representing us come from backgrounds that include high levels of education and success in their professional endevours, and such backgrounds typically results in high incomes. Many Senators are lawyers by training, which makes sense for those making laws, and it is a high paying profession.
On the other hand, I think that it may be hard for those in the Senate to fully appreciate the struggles faced on an everyday basis by the majority of the population. The people who worry about paying their bills, providing for their families, and what will happen if they lose their job. Those who worry about the quality of the public school system. Those who have children sent around the world to fight wars. Those who could lose everything is a family member falls seriously ill because they lack adequate health insurance.
Is the Senate turning into another version of the British House of Lords? Are we still adequately represented by the body? What are your thoughts?
Posted by blipsman at June 14, 2003 03:10 AMI think you are correct in your assesment here, blipsman. I do not think that many of our elected officials in Washington have a solid grip on what it takes for the average family to make ends meet. These are people (Congress) who cannot manage to spend less than they earn, after all.
I certainly feel disconnected with my representatives in Congress. I don’t feel that they are paying attention to issues important to me, and the form letter responses that I receive when I bring things to their attention, or express an opinion do not install feelings of confidence.
If the Senate is the House of Lords, when will we get the House of Commons? At least there they pay more than lip service to leadership responsibility. Witness the rough time Tony Blair has been having there. As Robin Williams puts it, the House of Commons is like the legislature with a two-drink minimum. At least CSPAN would be more entertaining. ;)
crutan
Posted by: crutan at June 14, 2003 10:58 AMWhile I can’t find a link to back this up right now, I read that exactly one (1) congressperson has a son/daughter in the military. I have to believe that they’d have been less trigger happy if it was their own kids they were sending off.
I think what this tells us is that our society is increasing stratified, and those who lead us represent us less and less
Posted by: Ryan Schroeder at June 14, 2003 01:00 PM
