Show of Hands

While I would like to agree with the idea of intelligence tests it undermines the democratic principles of our nation. The foundation of our government is that is controlled by ordinary people and any law abiding citizen that meets the other small requirements can serve. Intelligence test would be detrimental as who would control the tests and it would greatly limit the number of people who could run. And of that person is not fit for office and the people see that they will not let them in hopefully and if they somehow do get in office they can always lose reelection after the people see their performance. Intelligence tests in the form of literacy test were once used to prevent African Americans from voting and I believe if one party gains control of the tests then the same thing would happen to the opposing party running for office. I agree with your sentiment of having more qualified people in our government but the tests would undermine the foundation of our government

Not talking about taking a written test - just listen to their views and how they express themselves - it’s easy then to separate the dummies and dangerous from those who really want to serve vs fill their pockets

I would take issue with the statement that they are awarded more than any other job.

Unless they are independently wealthy, most do not get paid enough to keep two functioning households. There is a GREAT health plan and a GREAT retirement plan though.

That said, they make less than many physicians and most attorneys.

Don't forget the perks from lobbyists, I have found over the years even the best intentioned congressman can't resist the corruption in D.C..

$174,000 a year is plenty to keep a functional household

Misread. I thought you said a functional household.

I have a friend who is a congressman. Before Mark was elected, I didn't realize that each congressman really has to have dual residences. They have to have a place to stay in DC and they have to keep a house in their home area.

If your home is in California, 174k is barely enough to keep a residence in Ca alone.

He was mowing his yard actually

Dumb response.

Violent liberals are more of an issue, so Anti-gun Dems are safe anyways.

Prove it

Trump inauguration, Bush Jr. inauguration, Regan attempted assignation, Antifa, BLM.

Oh how can I forget The KKK too.

How is that a dumb response? You don't need guns to protect yourself right? Or are you that much of a sucker for the elites?

Good idea, but insist they meet the same criteria as everyone else. If they are clearly nuttier than a fruit fly make that a consideration.

That’s terrible logic. If the person did everything they thought was right it would still be opposed at every level by a person of the opposite party. Ideological differences shouldn’t scare people into voting differently to minimize threats that’s basically the antithesis of what democracy is supposed to be.

No matter what you decide, someone will be angry.

I see some flaw in your logic.

But it can only be a gun in the style of an old western six shooter.

I wonder how long it will take for a bill vote to turn into a shootout.

Protection details sweep buildings for bombs, and assess vulnerabilities, and use armored vehicles etc. Having a single gun is handy, but certainly not actually a good form of protection for Congressional members if you were trying to prevent anything other than a stick up. They by the way would be restricted from having that gun anywhere in the District itself between the federal property and the city ordinances. Only a handful of them have protection details as it is, because most of them are simply not big enough targets on a day to day basis and are so far down the chain for line of succession.

Exactly!

Who'se paying for this firing range and why do they get one just for them?

no way. he would duck into his shell before that happened

This user is currently being ignored

You think that's their only source of income? Lol

This user is currently being ignored