The Disconnect Between Politicians & Voters

I have posted in the past about the obvious disconnect between Washington politicians and the general public. These politicians are so worried about themselves and their re-election that have have no time to help the actual people they were elected to represent. This seems most common for Republicans (who worry more about the rich and campaign donations than the health, safety, and financial well-being of ordinary Americans), but far too many Democrats (especially the "blue dog" variety) are guilty of it also.

A prime example of this disconnect is Rep. Steve Southwell (R-Florida). Southwell (pictured), like the other House members, makes an annual salary of $174,000. That's a salary that a majority of Americans can only dream about (and will never make). The median income for American workers was only $49,177 in 2009, and I doubt it is any higher today. That's only one-third of Southwell's salary (and most Americans make less than the median income). And yet he thinks he is somehow being put upon because of his "low" salary.

Southwell told a group of his constituents last week in a Town Hall meeting that his salary is "not so much". He went on to say, "By the way, did I mention? They're shooting at us. There is law enforcement security in this room right now, and why is that? If you think this job pays too much with those kinds of risks and cutting me off from my family business, I'll just tell you: This job don't mean that much to me. I had a good life in Panama City."

I feel so sorry for Rep. Southwell -- NOT! Who does this jerk think he's kidding? No one forced him to run for public office, and no one is keeping him from resigning. He's not special. There are plenty of good people (in both parties) who would be happy to serve their country and thrilled to be making $174,000 a year doing it. If he really thinks the job is so dangerous and it really "don't mean that much" to him, then he should resign.

He has obviously forgotten that there are more than 16 million Americans who are unemployed, and another nearly 9 million who are working part-time because they can't find full-time work. He has also forgotten the millions who are working for minimum wage or less (with no benefits) because it's the best job they can find. I can assure him that none of these people think Southwell's salary is "not so much". Most of them would be thrilled to get a job earning one-fourth of his salary (or less).

I think it's time for Southwell to stop whining about his "low" salary and start working for his constituents who have an even lower salary, or no salary at all. It's time for him to stop complaining and earn his salary.