Did you know that our representatives in Congress are entitled to a taxpayer-funded pension when they leave?
It only takes five years to vest, and it is quite generous. This pension is on top of their 401k-style retirement savings accounts (and those have a generous taxpayer match).
Why is the pension a bad idea? First, hardly anyone has a pension nowadays. It is outrageous for Congress to offer a pension when most citizens do not have one.
This is yet another example of the political class enriching themselves at the expense of their constituents.
Second, those who serve in Congress are supposed to represent their constituents. The fact that Congress receives a pension sends the opposite message. It promotes a careerist mindset among members of Congress.
This posture has led the political class to develop an "us" mentality. They are no longer acting just as representatives. They are a self-enriching interest group.
This should not be a surprise. Today, it is rare for incumbents to lose or to leave voluntarily. They remain in D.C. for most of their working lives. It really has become a career for most.
The congressional pension is only the tip of the iceberg. It is one of countless ways that members of Congress are socialized into the political class.
That is why Convention of States is so important.
Calling for a Convention of States offers us a chance to take back the federal government from the political class and restore Congress to the proper role of representing We the People.
The time is now to take back our right to self-governance.
