Time For a New Congress

The following is being passed around the internet, which means it won’t be taken seriously by the real powers that be. With the government shutdown perhaps we should take matters into our own hands and see how far the country can be run without government interference.

However noble and reasonable this idea, Congress would never vote on a measure that reduces it’s own benefits. Maybe the courts or a presidential act might do it. A general public vote would definately work. It is time to enact some restraint of  runaway power.

Congressional Reform Act of 2013 1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman/woman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they're out of office. 2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose. 3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do. 4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise.Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%. 5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people. 6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people. 7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen/women are void effective 12/31/13. 

The American people did not make this contract with Congress. Congress made all these contracts for themselves. Being elected into Congress means serving the people and should be regarded as an honor and a civic duty not as a career for personal lifelong entitlement. George Washington served the county as General and President then quietly retired to his farm in Virginia without special treatment or pension.