McCain only senator to duck and run from Stimulus vote - Page 2

Publius · 02-08-2008, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by Thorgrim

I'd like to see how many American families have a father who works 16 hour days, and can't come home to give his kids a kiss goodnight, doesn't even see his family all week he comes home, and isn't considering in a rotten position

The only time I've seen anything like that was when a family was in the working poor and everyone thought it was a real shame anyone had to go through that, and usually those people didn't even work 16 hours, they worked like 8 but just couldn't afford to drive home every night

I reiterate: if they don't like the hours and the sacrifices required by the position, they should look for a less demanding job. Our tax dollars are going to pay these people, not to mention the fact that the majority in their states/district elect them to be in Congress, so they should be there when Congress is in session.

If an average person missed work 20%+ of the year, they'd be fired. Why not hold Congress to the same standard, or at least dock them their pay for the days they aren't present?

JaJae · 02-08-2008, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by Thorgrim

I'd like to see how many American families have a father who works 16 hour days, and can't come home to give his kids a kiss goodnight, doesn't even see his family all week he comes home, and isn't considering in a rotten position

The only time I've seen anything like that was when a family was in the working poor and everyone thought it was a real shame anyone had to go through that, and usually those people didn't even work 16 hours, they worked like 8 but just couldn't afford to drive home every night

Never met a fireman? Police officer? Truck driver? Flight attendant? Doctor doing a residency? There are many instances where people may work full days and don't get to kiss their children goodnight. In most cases they are paid far less than politicians. Publius is right. If they're elected to do the job they should do the job. If not they shouldn't accept the position. There are people who would be willing to do the work.

Linzyhop · 02-08-2008, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by JaJae

Never met a fireman? Police officer? Truck driver? Flight attendant? Doctor doing a residency? There are many instances where people may work full days and don't get to kiss their children goodnight. In most cases they are paid far less than politicians. Publius is right. If they're elected to do the job they should do the job. If not they shouldn't accept the position. There are people who would be willing to do the work.

the guys where i work work like 80 hour weeks and hardly ever see their wifes/kids.

Thorgrim · 02-08-2008, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by JaJae

Never met a fireman? Police officer? Truck driver? Flight attendant? Doctor doing a residency? There are many instances where people may work full days and don't get to kiss their children goodnight. In most cases they are paid far less than politicians. Publius is right. If they're elected to do the job they should do the job. If not they shouldn't accept the position. There are people who would be willing to do the work.

Yes I have, and they all get to see their kids during the week except flight attendants or truck drivers, who would love a decent job

I just can't believe you people think people like Sen. Tester have it easy, and if he had to go to a fundraiser to help his re-election campaign, we should all go with pitchforks and torches and demand he give us a percentage of his salary

Publius · 02-08-2008, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Thorgrim

Yes I have, and they all get to see their kids during the week except flight attendants or truck drivers, who would love a decent job

I just can't believe you people think people like Sen. Tester have it easy, and if he had to go to a fundraiser to help his re-election campaign, we should all go with pitchforks and torches and demand he give us a percentage of his salary

Where have I ever said they have it easy? Being a lawmaker is a very taxing and difficult job, and they are compensated very well for doing it. If they can't handle the hours and the other sacrifices that go along with it, they shouldn't seek the position.

I'm running for State House knowing full-well that if I get elected, I'll have to find a place to stay in Austin and have to drive the 3 hours to and from Austin quite often so that I can do my work here as well as in the Texas House. If I weren't willing to do that, I wouldn't be running for office.

JaJae · 02-08-2008, 10:52 AM

Straw man.

Nobody said they have it easy or hard. What we're saying is if they aren't willing to do the work they shouldn't take the job.

Publius · 02-08-2008, 10:54 AM

And I find it hilarious that you think truck drivers and flight attendants aren't "decent" jobs. So much for being a fan of the working people, huh Thorgrim? Without even knowing your job (do you even have one? Serious question, I don't know) I'd be willing to bet an OTR truck driver makes more in a year than you do. As for flight attendants, there are numerous perks to the job and there are plenty of people that do it happily.

Thorgrim · 02-08-2008, 11:05 AM

If you all agree what an very difficult and taxing job being in Congress is...then you can drop trying to go into a flying rage when they miss a day of voting to fund-raise so they can keep their job

There are lots of people working for the government that are far worse, you don't have to harp on Congress all the time, which i think is done more for political reasons than any real principle on work/pay issues

Publius · 02-08-2008, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by Thorgrim

If you all agree what an very difficult and taxing job being in Congress is...then you can drop trying to go into a flying rage when they miss a day of voting to fund-raise so they can keep their job

There are lots of people working for the government that are far worse, you don't have to harp on Congress all the time, which i think is done more for political reasons than any real principle on work/pay issues

You think wrong, then. Any Rep/Senator, including Ron Paul, that misses a day in session for most any reason (there are exceptions of course) shouldn't be paid for that day. It's simple, I don't know why you feel the need to try and make this a political debate when I just want to hold our Congress members, regardless of political affiliation, accountable.

There job is difficult, but they chose that job. I have every right to expect my representative and senator to be present in Congress, considering that they were elected to represent me IN CONGRESS and are paid out of my tax dollars to be IN CONGRESS. If they aren't willing to do that, then they shouldn't seek the position. It's that simple.

You keep trying to make up excuses. I don't understand why. Why are so reticent to want our Congress members to actually be present in Congress? Is it because I'm the one suggesting it, and you're such a contrarian that you feel the need to disagree with me no matter what since we have differing political views?