What Happened to Public Service Actually Being a Service to the Nation?

“Members of Congress piously and piteously claim they are struggling public servants, but it is becoming clearer that way too many of them are using their public positions not to serve their constituents, but to enrich themselves and their friends.

Here’s what I think they should do: The August recess is scheduled to begin on July 31 and last until September 5. Thirty-seven days. Rather than taking trips to Paris or Rome, or spending nights in five star hotels in Hong Kong or Beijing they should each pledge to spend just four days—about 10 percent of their summer vacation—living with a military unit which has been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan in the past six months.

Not in Iraq or Afghanistan; that would be too hard. I mean live with the enlisted personnel of a unit which is back in the United States. And they shouldn’t live in VIP quarters. They should live in the barracks and eat in the mess halls and spend all day cleaning and repairing the aging equipment. And listen to the stories of young men and women who are truly serving their country. And not getting rich along the way.” —Rich Galen

Oh, I think Iraq and Afghanistan is exactly where the Congress-critters need to go live for a while. Only then would they get a taste of the enemy we face and what it feels like to have leaders demanding soldiers fight a half-war.

Members of Congress need to put their lives in danger while listening to the anti-military filth being spouted by the liberals back home.

But the first paragraph of Mr. Galen’s statement needs further comment. Serving as an elected member of the Federal Government is an honor bestowed by the voters and should be treated as a service to your country and your fellow citizens – and not as a road to wealth and power.

The elitist mentality of government officials, and even government employees of all types, needs to be challenged by the people paying the bill. – Hank Dagny