"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."Apparently the latest attempt of those in Congress to exempt themselves from the provisions of the pending Healthcare Reform is, for many, the last straw after years of hearing about congressional members retiring, even after one term, at the same pay they were making, and exempting themselves from having to pay Social Security, etc.
Ben Franklin is supposed to have replied to the lady who inquired about our kind of government, "A republic, if you can keep it." We, however, seem well on the way to an elitist Politburo-style class system.
This is a HORRIBLE amendment. I dont mean this in regards to the health care bill but if this amendment were passed then Congress would not be allowed to hire chaplains and pray before the beginning of every opening session of Congress because the same applies to public schools. I think we all could agree that Congress should be praying more and not less.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point, Mr. Shoemaker. While my purpose was not so much to defend the proposed bill as to report it as an example of frustration with Congress, perhaps it could be argued that the bill could turn the tables in favor of your point about prayer in Congress and the prohibition of prayer in public schools. In other words, if it's permitted in Congress, shouldn't it also be permitted in public schools?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the whole thing raises a number of interesting questions and underscores the complacency of the public over the last several decades as Congress has continued to vote itself impressive raises, retirement packages, and exempt itself from all sorts of burdens accepted by the general population. The proposed bill is another puff of populist venting, like the 'tea parties' of some months ago.
Hey it's cool. I totally understand where you're coming from. love the blog by the way. keep up the good work.
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