The idea in this country was that ordinary people would go into public service for a time, then return to real life. We would not have a permanent political class, and those who served would have to live with whatever they foisted on the rest of us. It hasn't exactly worked out that way:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The personal wealth of members of the U.S. Congress has soared in recent years, leaving lawmakers on average far more well-to-do than most Americans as of 2006, said a study on Thursday.
The median net worth of senators was estimated at $1.7 million and House of Representatives members at $675,000, said the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington watchdog group that monitors the influence of money on government.
"Public service." Now we know what that means -- serviced by the public. Hope you enjoyed it; have a smoke.
