[QUOTE]Originally posted by Strike
[B]I believe the President's salary was raised to 400 grand/year a few years back.

 

I agree with WS. I sure wish I could work a job for 4 years and be guaranteed $15K a month for life for having done so!

Essentially, if they live reasonably, they can serve one term and never have to work again. Tell me how this is fair?

 

I sure wish you all would check your facts before posting

http://www.c-span.org/questions/weekly68.htm

 

That was useful, but I suspect the source is somewhat biased toward congresspeople. For instance, what about a 1-term Judge, who then held a position in congress for 1 term, and then finally held a senate position for 1 term? I've heard a person in this situation will get all 3 pensions--though your link implies it won't be a full pension from the congress's pool of money.

Anyone know?

 

I always thought of Rush Limbaugh as a turd stirrer, like political clown

 

While I do initially want to agree with everyone.....that our elected officials are overpaid, I have to look at "market value" of these ppl. When I look at these men and women as Executives of the Nation, I compare them to other executives in corporate America. Most Executives will make upwards of $250,000/year plus bonuses etc. When I think about it like that, what these officials get paid seems reasonable. Moreover, when you think of what the ideal official is trying to do (improve our great country) it does seem reasonable that we reward their commitment to improving society with a nice pension fund. Many of our officials were already successful business people and many actually take a pay cut in order to serve. While the numbers being thrown out in this thread seem fairly large, in the upper tier of corporate amercia, they really aren't. As for compensation for 9/11 it doesn't seem like there were many concrete numbers brought up for any of us to make an educated comment.

Just my thoughts,
Rice

 

To get back to the topic for just a minute I seem to remember wondering if people would give as freely next time when the powers that be decided to give this money out of the tax dollars of those who had already donated. As I understand it this amount is not a part of the charity funds so many of us gave to.

 

see it everyday. Sergeant, USMC

 

I remember the victims of the Oklahoma bombing making a similar petition to get more compensation... A majority of the victims from 9/11 were white collar, with handsome salaries already. I don't think it's really fair to get that much...

 

imo, I dont think anyone should get a penny other than what their life insurance pays out. I know the potential dangers of my profession and the outcome should I get killed in action that is why I have life insurance. Yes it is unfortunate that people died in the wtc but shit happens and that is what insurance is for. Same as if you got in an accident in your car, does the government pay for your damages?