By Mary Kate Cary, Thomas Jefferson Street Blog
A very entertaining idea from my fellow Bush 41 speechwriter, Chris Buckley (he wrote when 41 was Reagan's VP), who takes a cue from Jonathan Swift and makes a "modest proposal": to limit the salaries and perks of President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Majority Leader Reid, just as they are proposing for business leaders.
If private-sector CEOs and other bigfeet are to be held accountable for their performance—as indeed they should be—why not also hold accountable lavish spenders in the public sector? If we're stripping nonperforming corporate fat cats of their expensive antique crappers—John, really what were you thinking?—and their $50 million jets and country-club dues, why shouldn't Senator Dodd, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and President Obama also be held to account for their performances? Yes, yes, I know we have elections, but why wait two years, or four? Aren't we being told that there isn't a moment to lose?
You can click on Chris's name above to read his whole proposal, which is pretty funny. And he may be on to something: ABC News is reporting on the hypocrisy of members of Congress who are outraged by corporate perks but who continue to schedule congressional junkets and members' use of Air Force jets. Our elected officials seem to have forgotten one of the first rules of politics: what goes around, comes around.
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Cindi of OH 10:49AM March 06, 2009
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