Hooked on power (original) (raw)

Most people have never experienced the exhilaration of power, but members of Congress have experienced it. Because power can be addictive, they will do whatever it takes to keep it and stay in office, even if that means following the president’s wishes instead of carrying out their oversight duties and serving their constituents.

What fuels their addiction to power? Money is a major reason they want to remain in Congress. They are constantly surrounded by business people and lobbyists competing for their votes to advance the interests of the companies they represent.

Twenty-four members of Congress are 80 or older, and half are seeking reelection. Why do they continue to serve? Is it out of a genuine desire to serve the country, or are they motivated by power and money?

For example, Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi has served in the House for 39 years. At an annual salary of 174,000,shewouldhaveearnedabout174,000, she would have earned about 174,000,shewouldhaveearnedabout6.7 million during that time, yet her net worth is estimated at more than 120million.RepublicanSen.MitchMcConnellhasformorethan42years.Atthesameannualsalary,hewouldhaveearnedabout120 million. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell has for more than 42 years. At the same annual salary, he would have earned about 120million.RepublicanSen.MitchMcConnellhasformorethan42years.Atthesameannualsalary,hewouldhaveearnedabout7.3 million, yet his net worth is estimated at more than $35 million. Did they build this wealth through wise investments, or did they acquire it by other means?

We also know that President Trump’s net worth has doubled over the past year to more than $6.5 billion. This suggests that government — especially the presidency — can create opportunities for personal enrichment.

For many Republicans and Democrats, that may be a major reason why they try to remain in Congress for as long as possible. The question that corruption may be a major contributor to their acquired wealth remains an enigma.

What can we, as private citizens, do to encourage congressional leaders to retire before they become mentally and physically unable to meet their constituents’ needs? The presidency is limited to two terms of service to the nation, but what about Congress? Imposing term limits or age restrictions on senators and representatives as well could reduce the risk of corruption influencing their decisions about the welfare of the people they represent. In that way, the grip of power and money would become less addictive.

Recognizing the problem is easy, but finding a solution is much harder. After all, what lawmaker would willingly give up the power and financial benefits of office by supporting term limits or age restrictions? Ultimately, it is up to voters to decide when change is needed, and that requires active participation in democracy. Vote in the mid-terms

John White

Midway