[cc2k]

You make some good points. Someone last weekend suggested an interesting solution for this problem. It would take a constitutional amendment to implement (so it will probably never happen) but it was an interesting thought. The solution was amend the Constitution as follows:

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Representatives and Senators shall be employees of the State that they represent. Their compensation, salaries and benefits shall be set by the legislature of their state.

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This does a couple of things. First, it put them out of the business of setting their own pay and benefits plans. And it moves those decisions a step closer to We The People.

But even more, it reminds them who they are supposed to be representing. It doesn’t undo the 17th amendment, but it still gives a little reminder with the paycheck or direct deposit stub that "Hey, you work for us back home."

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From the desk of cc2k:

Legislative Proposal: Federalism tax credit Term Limits from the Grass Roots The Two Million Frog March (Why 9-12-2009 spells trouble for Republicans and Democrats alike)

[Arrowhead]

Now THAT is the best idea I have heard yet! So good in fact, we should pursue it! You know who that fella is? When I pass this knowledge on I want to be sure and give proper credit.