We Have More in Common Than You Think

We Have More in Common Than You Think

The 2012 election is over and the winners and losers are already squabbling, which tells all of us that the next 4 years will be no different than the last 12 years.  Yes, it's always the same...nothing substantial is accomplished by Congress.  Why?

It's because 'We the People', keep re-electing the same idiots over and over again.  These so-called representatives of the American population have no fear of losing their positions, when statistics prove the 96% of incumbents are re-elected.  Therefore, instead of working for their constituents, these elected officials do whatever is necessary to keep them in office.  This includes using any type of scare tactics necessary to rile up the general population.

These scare tactics work...that's why our country is so polarized.  Every time either a Democrat or Republican uses a scare tactic, we fall for it, become enraged at whatever is being shoved down our throats and start developing resentment, anger and hatred for targeted people, regions or income brackets.

According to the media, the differences dividing our country are so vast, we have become a nation with 2 distinct philosophies on how to run the country.  I heartily disagree.  

Both camps of political philosophy, at the individual American level, actually agree on most matters affecting our great nation.  The trick is to find common ground and develop a working and suitable solution.  This can only be done at the grass-roots level because no political party will do what is right for America...they are only concerned about getting re-elected.

For example, a large majority of Americans believe term limits should be imposed on all elected officials.  There is no plausible way, we will get politicians to write legislation to kick themselves from office.  

Since the majority of Americans agree on term limits, then grass-root activists must develop and present a solution to this obstacle that prevents term limits.  This is easy...vote anyone, and I mean everyone, out of office if they have been there for more than a prescribed time.

Senators should only serve 2 full terms (12 years), then vote them out.  Congress representatives should be in office no more than 10 years, then vote them out.  Once politicians understand they will be gone after a specified time, you will be amazed at the difference in their actions while in elected office.

The large majority of Americans agree that our elected officials are "pampered", while in office...and they are.  From low level elected officials to the top of the Federal government, our politicians are the "upper crust" of American society.  This must stop.

I spent 20 years serving our country in the United States Air Force and only received a pension worth 50% of my pay at the time of my retirement.  For Congress, you are eligible for a pension after only 5 years in office and the maximum percentage can reach over 200% of their pay, after serving 30 or more years.  After serving 20 years, a member of Congress can receive a pension over 100% of their pay.  This is absurd, unfair and too costly.

If you want to learn more about the Congressional retirement plan, please go to:

http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30631.pdf

Why should there be a pension plan for members of Congress (or any other elected official) that equals or exceeds their pay while in office? 

If you read the Congressional retirement plan, it starts out at a minimum of 80% of the last 3 years of pay...after only 5 years!!!

I'm 100% positive that the majority of Americans are against this pension plan for Congress.  Of course the only people who can make a change to this system is Congress...never going to happen.

Again, by voting out everyone not later than 10 years, this problem is reduced; therefore cutting costs and eventually ridding ourselves of the entire pension plan and associated costs.

I believe there are numerous topics that affect each American that the majority of voters agree on...but we don't organize around these common ground topics, instead we take sides as dictated by political parties that always have an agenda that does not take into concern the opinions of most Americans.

It is now the time to begin organizing, gathering support and making choices that will benefit America; not continually hurting us.