B. Should lobbiests be outlawed?
C. And those who accept gifts, trips or cash from any special intrest group be guilty of a crime?
2006-09-18 02:36:25 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
I believe their salaries are too high, but I don't believe the "average" is appropriate either. First of all, there is a high education level and most likely hard work to even be considered for these positions. That is an effort that certainly merits high pay.
Also, you have to pay these people enough to maintain their current lifestyle. They are most likely doing very well due to their degrees achieved in college.
B. Yes
C. A crime?...no. But they should have to post any such things monthly and mailed out to their constituents.
2006-09-18 02:57:05 · answer #1 · answered by Kelly T 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The perma-tanned Tommy Sheridan (late of the Scottish Socialist Party) declared on his entry into the Scottish Parliament, that despite his entitlement to a full MSP's salary, he would personally only take home the wage of the 'average skilled Scottish worker', with the rest, I believe, to be given to charity.
I'm not sure what the taxing deal on that was. I presume he was liable for tax on the whole amount.
Elected politicians are about the only workers who get to set their own salary, without their bosses having a say in the matter. And if their bosses wish to fire them for that, that's fine, but the replacement must be hired at the previous salary set.
We are their bosses. Not the other way round.
2006-09-18 09:44:04 · answer #2 · answered by Morgy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it should be a crime to accept gifts beyond a minimal dollar value, and lobbyists should be outlawed, or at least limited. Perhaps certian hot issues affecting human rights or quality of life should be "lobbyist free zones". Furthermore, the job of serving ones community should be the motivating factor in being an elected offical, so the elected offical should be paid an amount refelctive of THE AVERAGE MEDIAN WAGE for that persons immediate family size. That means that we are not paying an official more than any of us here in the "real world" would expect to be paid, but that we support her/him and the family in their care.
2006-09-18 09:51:55 · answer #3 · answered by prancingmonkey 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The paycheck of our Politicians should be based on the paychart used by the military starting from the Sergeant First Class through the Brigadier General. No Politician should make more than that.
Yes and Yes to the other two
2006-09-18 10:11:47 · answer #4 · answered by Q-burt 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you may have hit on something-
elected officials wages should be no more than the average wage of their constituants- this is a very good idea!!!
hired lobbyists (firms that specialize in lobbying politicians) should be outlawed
the answer to c - see b
2006-09-18 09:44:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anarchy99 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Question #1: Yes.
Question #2: Yes.
Question #3: Yes.
2006-09-18 09:40:07 · answer #6 · answered by marge8710 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A) No. If they're not getting a high enough salary they are more likely to be bribed
B) Yes. They have corrupted our democracy
C) Yes, but that's not the way they make thier money, they make their money by becoming lobbyists and intimidating their former staffs.
2006-09-18 09:46:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A. No. It should be lower. The politicians work for us, their salaries should reflect that.
B. No, but the bribe money they give to the pols should be severely restricted.
C. It depends. I think such "gifts" should be capped and regulated.
2006-09-18 09:42:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Agree 100%.
2006-09-18 09:44:02 · answer #9 · answered by Fitforlife 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The average would be great but the mayor of washington DC would get a welfare check
2006-09-18 09:40:18 · answer #10 · answered by fstopf4 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋