Congress

[cja7928]

The Haircut

One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop.

When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The cop is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful.'

Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the members of our Congress.

[rankroddin250]

I think our whole government system needs a complete rebuild. I dont think that this bull chit is what our fore fathers invisioned when they signed the declaration of independence and lost their lives in war so that we could live in a free country.

[choctaw]

"Rather than useful jobs in our country, people have been offered bureaucratic "make work," rather than moral leadership, they have been given bread and circuses, spectacles, and, yes, they have even been given scandals. Tonight there is violence in our streets, corruption in our highest offices, aimlessness among our youth, anxiety among our elders and there is a virtual despair among the many who look beyond material success for the inner meaning of their lives. Where examples of morality should be set, the opposite is seen. Small men, seeking great wealth or power, have too often and too long turned even the highest levels of public service into mere personal opportunity."

This is a quote from Barry Goldwater's acceptance speech in 1964, so what your saying has been true for many years, I don't know the solution-short of a revolt.

[cja7928]

Originally Posted by choctaw

I don't know the solution-short of a revolt.

Sad but True.

[rdc]

Originally Posted by choctaw

"Rather than useful jobs in our country, people have been offered bureaucratic "make work," rather than moral leadership, they have been given bread and circuses, spectacles, and, yes, they have even been given scandals. Tonight there is violence in our streets, corruption in our highest offices, aimlessness among our youth, anxiety among our elders and there is a virtual despair among the many who look beyond material success for the inner meaning of their lives. Where examples of morality should be set, the opposite is seen. Small men, seeking great wealth or power, have too often and too long turned even the highest levels of public service into mere personal opportunity."

This is a quote from Barry Goldwater's acceptance speech in 1964, so what your saying has been true for many years, I don't know the solution-short of a revolt.

Well, I think part of the solution would be reintroducing education in the school systems, to include a heavy dose of American history. Our whole
society is in a moral decline - not just our Congress. Revolution won't
solve the whole problem - our citizens might just elect more of the same
when rebuilding our governmental system. The people have to WANT change.
And you can't get enough of them to agree on anything to make effective change
at the polls. So long as VOTING citizens want bread and circuses, that's what Congress will give them, to stay in office. The VOTING citizens have
to want substance, not fluff, and insist on it with their votes, before anything
will change.

There's something to be said for old systems where you had to be a property owner in order to vote. At least then the voters had a stake in what they
were voting for (or against). If you own nothing, contribute nothing, and live off the efforts of others, then of course it's in your own best interest to see increases in welfare benefits, "free" medical, "free" housing, "free" education, etc. If on the other hand, your one of the "producers" who is being bled dry
to pay for all these "free" things, it's in your best interest to vote against it.
Unless you see a long-term benefit to your own well-being by supporting
someone who may grow up to be productive in the future, and contribute mightily to society. Overall, I don't think it works that way.
Unfortunately, the "producers" are being overwhelmed by the takers.

[choctaw]

Originally Posted by rdc

Well, I think part of the solution would be reintroducing education in the school systems, to include a heavy dose of American history. Our whole
society is in a moral decline - not just our Congress. Revolution won't
solve the whole problem - our citizens might just elect more of the same
when rebuilding our governmental system. The people have to WANT change.
And you can't get enough of them to agree on anything to make effective change
at the polls. So long as VOTING citizens want bread and circuses, that's what Congress will give them, to stay in office. The VOTING citizens have
to want substance, not fluff, and insist on it with their votes, before anything
will change.

There's something to be said for old systems where you had to be a property owner in order to vote. At least then the voters had a stake in what they
were voting for (or against). If you own nothing, contribute nothing, and live off the efforts of others, then of course it's in your own best interest to see increases in welfare benefits, "free" medical, "free" housing, "free" education, etc. If on the other hand, your one of the "producers" who is being bled dry
to pay for all these "free" things, it's in your best interest to vote against it.
Unless you see a long-term benefit to your own well-being by supporting
someone who may grow up to be productive in the future, and contribute mightily to society. Overall, I don't think it works that way.
Unfortunately, the "producers" are being overwhelmed by the takers.

Well said rdc. I just cannot see how people have become so complacent in their way of life/thinking. I know as a self-employed person that if I thought this way I would be out of business tomorrow, plus I am too proud.

[rdc]

If you like to read, here's an excellent book by Ayn Rand,
"Atlas Shrugged". And an earlier one by the same author,
"The Fountainhead". I highly recommend them.

[choctaw]

Originally Posted by rdc

If you like to read, here's an excellent book by Ayn Rand,
"Atlas Shrugged". And an earlier one by the same author,
"The Fountainhead". I highly recommend them.

I have that book got it in 1986 I believe, it was a little much for me at the time for some perspective I guess I need to pick it up again.
Thanks

[rdc]

Originally Posted by choctaw

I have that book got it in 1986 I believe, it was a little much for me at the time for some perspective I guess I need to pick it up again.
Thanks

Well, your profile gives no clues as to your age. Tastes (and viewpoints)
do change over time ...

[Snowman66]

Look at the Clintons, When they left the White house they we're broke. Look at them now.

How voters may react to the Clintons' $109 million income | csmonitor.com

What did they produce to make all that?

Just using the Clintons as an example of people in office.