Sagebrush Philosopher

“They Don’t Own Us; We Own Them”

All of us who spend anytime on the Internet to speak of receive circulated materials that ask us to support a cause or an idea, from time to time.  Some are impressive and warrant our attention.  Unfortunately, most of them don’t fall in that category. 

I received the following the other day that is, ostensibly, authored by Warren Buffet.  In my opinion he is one of a very few men who has managed to define his money, rather than allow his money to define him.  He seems to have his feet firmly on the ground and is focused on how to best handle the vast wealth he has accumulated.  I cannot verify that this is the work of Warren Buffet, but its simplicity and wisdom would not be out of character for the man, insofar as I am concerned. 

Were this to become a viable option for the people to regain some control of a government that is totally out of control, it would require some very principled and courageous individuals with the means, determination and will to make it happen.  That seems like a tall order in today’s world but, as the old adage says, “You never know until you try.”  I hope there are some or a few who might just have what it takes to breathe life into these ideas.

Congressional Reform Act of 2013

1.                  No Tenure/No Pension:  A Congressman/woman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

2.                  Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:  All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security System immediately.  All future funds flow into the Social Security system and Congress participates with the American people.  It may not be used for any other purpose.

3.                  Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4.                  Congress will no longer vote them selves a pay raise.  Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5.                  Congress loses their current health system and participates in the same health care system as the American people. 

6.                  Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people. 

7.                  All contracts with past and present Congressmen/women are void effective 2/31/13.  The American people did not make this contract with Congressman/women.  Congressmen/women made all these contracts for themselves.  Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.

If Herbert Norquist can intimidate members of Congress into signing on to his “no new taxes pledge,” it seems a few influential citizens could require no less from their legislators by signing on to this one.  The names of all those who did sign on should be published far and wide, along with all of those who refused.

It was, after all, Abraham Lincoln who admonished us that this “government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”  I would say it is time to give new meaning and life to this bit of wisdom.  After all, compared to Abraham Lincoln, in the grand scheme of things, I would say Herbert Norquist is clearly a light weight.  If he can intimidate the powerful and influential in Washington, surely we can do no less.

Cowboy Bob

The Sagebrush Philosopher

August 12, 2013