The very next day, at 4:55 p.m. EST, the first meeting of O.U.T.R.A.G.E. convened via teleconference at thousands of locations throughout the United States. A diminutive middle-aged man, identifying himself as an accountant from the state of Connecticut, initiated the program. "We are here," he announced, "to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." That, he explained, "for those who have never read it, comes from the preamble of the Constitution of the United States. I am a native of the Constitution State, and I am proud to be a member of what many might call a rebellion group, or a band of revolutionists. America became America precisely because members of rebellion groups and bands of revolutionists took up arms and fought for the freedoms we have enjoyed for over two hundred years. Sadly, because of the sheer greed, selfishness, and incompetency of those who have led America over the past fifty-some years, we have lost sight of our forefather's vision. While millions of Americans might call us savages for what we've done, we believe those same millions will come to recognize that what we did had to be done. Government has been manipulated and twisted to serve the needs of those who need it least. Wealthy individuals, special interest groups, lobbyists, and mega-rich corporations have taken control of our federal government. The only way to stop such social rape and pillage was the kill the people responsible for it. Now, in no particular order, members of O.U.T.R.A.G.E. will submit fresh ideas, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. With these new concepts, we expect to help form a more perfect union, one that reverts back to being a union of the people, by the people and for the people."
"The Declaration of Independence begins with three simple words," said a chunky Hispanic woman from New Mexico. "We, the People..." - her voiced quivered and she took a deep breath before she continued. "The Declaration does not say anything about 'We the wealthy...We the special interests...We the lobbyists....or We the corporations'. It's time to stop all the rhetoric and actually begin the process of revitalizing our Constitution, re-establishing our country's moral fiber, and revisiting the principles and foundations on which this great country was born. I believe one of the first orders of business is to create a new United States Congress manned by true statesmen who understand they are public servants, not privileged royalty. Therefore, I respectfully submit this first "Article for A New America" which I have entitled:
ARTICLE I. RESOLUTION: TAKE THE 'CON' OUT OF CONGRESS
"We live in a democracy that doesn't hold elections - it holds auctions. Congressional seats go to the highest bidder. Promise a special interest group that you'll support its cause once you're elected, and it contributes to your campaign. Tell a wealthy individual you'll cut his tax rate, and he writes you a $1,000 check. Pledge that you will introduce legislation favorable to big business, and big business will reward you with big bucks. It's a lottery in which common citizens can't compete.
Professional politicians argue that you need "experience" in Congress. In truth, the more political 'experience' you gain as a career politician, the less you do your job! This country doesn't need professional politicians. It needs statesmen, people who get elected for a limited period of time; who understand they are pubic servants; and who recognize that their only obligation is to 'We the People'...
If you're a multi-millionaire, and you build a 40-room mansion, do you give the best rooms in the house to your domestic staff? No. If you're a decent human being, you will certainly provide modest, comfortable accommodations for your butlers, maids, chauffeurs, chefs, and other household employees. But you'll probably reserve the best rooms in the house for your personal living quarters. Why should it be any different for our Congressional employees? Members of Congress should be treated exactly like U.S. soldiers are treated: house them in dormitories or barracks, provide them with minimal creature comforts and uniforms, feed them, and monitor their activities. I propose that we find an old abandoned warehouse in Washington, D.C., refurbish it into barracks-style living quarters for our elected officials, providing each of them with bare necessities: a bed with a mattress and army blanket; a locker in which to keep their personal possessions; a closet for their clothing; bathroom facilities; and a dining room where they are served three square meals a day, cafeteria-style.
Each member of Congress will be given seven 'uniforms' consisting of red blazers with a Congressional insignia embroidered on the lapel; white dress shirts; and blue trousers. A small selection of ties adorned with American flags or the Congressional Seal will also be provided, as well as underwear, socks, shoes and handkerchiefs. Female members of Congress will, of course, be given whatever special accommodations they might require as well. Females will be housed on the first floor(s) of the Congressional barracks; male members of Congress will be housed on the top floor(s). Instead of a "drill sergeant" or "dorm monitor", there will be special "Congressional Attendants" posted on each floor to ensure the safety of all residents, maintain order and decorum, prevent any sexual or abusive misconduct between residents, and provide for any particular special needs that any member of Congress might necessarily require. A full-time physician will be on the premises, maintaining a clinic capable of providing all routine medical needs for all residents. Office facilities, including computers, desks, and phones will be readily available, as well as a library. Phone calls will be monitored so that a complete log of incoming and outgoing calls is recorded. Conversations might be recorded. "Lights out" will be precisely at 12:00 midnight. "Taps" will be given at precisely 6:00 a.m. every day. After breakfast, members of Congress will be shuttled to their offices in the Capitol Building via unmarked non-descript vans. Any member of Congress needing to be transported to another location inside the beltway will be given free rides in these same vans. Members of Congress will be allowed to eat in the Capitol Buiding, in their offices, or can opt to be transported back to their barracks for lunch and/or dinner. All members of Congress will be expected to report to their barracks before "lights out"; if it is likely they won't be able to do so, because of vote on the floor or other pressing business, an authorized Congressional Pass will be required to be signed and issued by a Congressional Attendant. Any travel outside of the beltway must be requested in advance, for which a specific reason must be stated and justified. Members of Congress will submit a budget, and will be given expense money accordingly. Any money not spent must be returned to the federal government, or can remain to accumulate for any future necessary travel. This includes travel for personal reasons, as well as travel on official government business. Complete, exhaustive details as to who will accompany the Congressman on such travel must also be outlined. Upon return, the Congressman must prepare a written report as to the nature of the travel, what was accomplished, who was visited, and what results were achieved or specific objectives were met. No member of Congress will be allowed to campaign for re-election while actively engaged in the service of the seated U.S. Congress. (S) will be allowed to campaign during official Congressional 'breaks' or vacations, but even then only under strict guidelines and financial restraints.
Members of Congress will be paid exactly the same amount earned by U.S. soldiers, based on rank, tenure, and performance.
Congressional Attendants will give performance evaluations every quarter, which will be be published for all United States citizens to review. Performance critieria will include evaluations of each Congressional member's attendance, voting record, and personal conduct. If a particular member's performance is not within pre-established acceptable guidelines, (s)he will be subject to "public reprimand" and could be required to leave office.
Professional politicians, of course, will balk at such restrictions and confinement. They will argue that it will interfere with their ability to do their jobs. They will complain that it limits their personal freedom. O.U.T.R.A.G.E., on the other hand, will maintain that it structures their work day to allow them more productivity. It entrenches the concept that they are in Congress not to enrich themselves, but to serve the public interest. And, since they are public servants, the public has a right to control and monitor their actions at all times, and has a right to reign in their personal freedom while they are doing the nation's work. Once they leave office, their personal freedoms will be returned to them. However, under no circumstances will they be allowed to use their experience as a U.S. Congressman to enrich themselves (i.e., they can't write books that allow them to profit from their experience; they can't become lobbyists or government consultants; they can't accept positions as members of corporate Boards; they can't charge for speeches, etc., etc. Part of the Congressional Attendant program will also be to oversee activities of Congressional members once they leave office. If it is determined that any former member of Congress broke the law - or even the spirit of the law - they may be subject to arrest and tried for treason. If convicted, they could face imprisonment, fines, or even death by public firing squad).
The intent of the Congressional Attendant program (and many surviving, or former, members of Congress will howl at how expensive and ineffective such a program will be) is similar to that of the U.S. Secret Service. Yes, it will be costly, but O.U.T.R.A.G.E. is proposing other changes that will save taxpayers billions of dollars that are now wasted on fraudulent, inefficient, and even unconstitutional programs now in existence). The greatest purpose of this resolution is to bring humility back to members of Congress, and take away their hubris and megolomania. Congress cannot be so isolated from the people they serve that they forget who it is they're serving. Being elected to Congress should not be intended as a full-time, lifetime occupation that includes lavish pay increases; state-of-the-art health and medical care; superior retirement and pension plans; obscene opportunities for wealth and power after leving office; and - most importantly of all - being an elected official of the U.S. Government should not put you above the same laws you've passed and expect others to obey.
Congressional con men have conspired against the American people for more than half-a-decade. We have killed most of them, now we can temper those who remain. We urge every American citizen to get involved and help with this important revitalization of America. At this you are being asked to vote "Yea" or "Nay" to this proposal. Please use the voting devices that have been provided to you. Your Social Security number will be your official password. If this resolution results in a "Yea" vote, it will be written as a legal document and will be submitted at a later date for a final vote before being passed into legislation. Thank you for your attention and cooperation. Tomorrow at 4:55 P.M. EST, another resolution will be presented."
With that, the televised conference faded to black. Those in the audience cautiously picked up their voting devices and - somewhat apprehensively - punched the "Yea" or "Nay" button.
"The Declaration of Independence begins with three simple words," said a chunky Hispanic woman from New Mexico. "We, the People..." - her voiced quivered and she took a deep breath before she continued. "The Declaration does not say anything about 'We the wealthy...We the special interests...We the lobbyists....or We the corporations'. It's time to stop all the rhetoric and actually begin the process of revitalizing our Constitution, re-establishing our country's moral fiber, and revisiting the principles and foundations on which this great country was born. I believe one of the first orders of business is to create a new United States Congress manned by true statesmen who understand they are public servants, not privileged royalty. Therefore, I respectfully submit this first "Article for A New America" which I have entitled:
ARTICLE I. RESOLUTION: TAKE THE 'CON' OUT OF CONGRESS
"We live in a democracy that doesn't hold elections - it holds auctions. Congressional seats go to the highest bidder. Promise a special interest group that you'll support its cause once you're elected, and it contributes to your campaign. Tell a wealthy individual you'll cut his tax rate, and he writes you a $1,000 check. Pledge that you will introduce legislation favorable to big business, and big business will reward you with big bucks. It's a lottery in which common citizens can't compete.
Professional politicians argue that you need "experience" in Congress. In truth, the more political 'experience' you gain as a career politician, the less you do your job! This country doesn't need professional politicians. It needs statesmen, people who get elected for a limited period of time; who understand they are pubic servants; and who recognize that their only obligation is to 'We the People'...
If you're a multi-millionaire, and you build a 40-room mansion, do you give the best rooms in the house to your domestic staff? No. If you're a decent human being, you will certainly provide modest, comfortable accommodations for your butlers, maids, chauffeurs, chefs, and other household employees. But you'll probably reserve the best rooms in the house for your personal living quarters. Why should it be any different for our Congressional employees? Members of Congress should be treated exactly like U.S. soldiers are treated: house them in dormitories or barracks, provide them with minimal creature comforts and uniforms, feed them, and monitor their activities. I propose that we find an old abandoned warehouse in Washington, D.C., refurbish it into barracks-style living quarters for our elected officials, providing each of them with bare necessities: a bed with a mattress and army blanket; a locker in which to keep their personal possessions; a closet for their clothing; bathroom facilities; and a dining room where they are served three square meals a day, cafeteria-style.
Each member of Congress will be given seven 'uniforms' consisting of red blazers with a Congressional insignia embroidered on the lapel; white dress shirts; and blue trousers. A small selection of ties adorned with American flags or the Congressional Seal will also be provided, as well as underwear, socks, shoes and handkerchiefs. Female members of Congress will, of course, be given whatever special accommodations they might require as well. Females will be housed on the first floor(s) of the Congressional barracks; male members of Congress will be housed on the top floor(s). Instead of a "drill sergeant" or "dorm monitor", there will be special "Congressional Attendants" posted on each floor to ensure the safety of all residents, maintain order and decorum, prevent any sexual or abusive misconduct between residents, and provide for any particular special needs that any member of Congress might necessarily require. A full-time physician will be on the premises, maintaining a clinic capable of providing all routine medical needs for all residents. Office facilities, including computers, desks, and phones will be readily available, as well as a library. Phone calls will be monitored so that a complete log of incoming and outgoing calls is recorded. Conversations might be recorded. "Lights out" will be precisely at 12:00 midnight. "Taps" will be given at precisely 6:00 a.m. every day. After breakfast, members of Congress will be shuttled to their offices in the Capitol Building via unmarked non-descript vans. Any member of Congress needing to be transported to another location inside the beltway will be given free rides in these same vans. Members of Congress will be allowed to eat in the Capitol Buiding, in their offices, or can opt to be transported back to their barracks for lunch and/or dinner. All members of Congress will be expected to report to their barracks before "lights out"; if it is likely they won't be able to do so, because of vote on the floor or other pressing business, an authorized Congressional Pass will be required to be signed and issued by a Congressional Attendant. Any travel outside of the beltway must be requested in advance, for which a specific reason must be stated and justified. Members of Congress will submit a budget, and will be given expense money accordingly. Any money not spent must be returned to the federal government, or can remain to accumulate for any future necessary travel. This includes travel for personal reasons, as well as travel on official government business. Complete, exhaustive details as to who will accompany the Congressman on such travel must also be outlined. Upon return, the Congressman must prepare a written report as to the nature of the travel, what was accomplished, who was visited, and what results were achieved or specific objectives were met. No member of Congress will be allowed to campaign for re-election while actively engaged in the service of the seated U.S. Congress. (S) will be allowed to campaign during official Congressional 'breaks' or vacations, but even then only under strict guidelines and financial restraints.
Members of Congress will be paid exactly the same amount earned by U.S. soldiers, based on rank, tenure, and performance.
Congressional Attendants will give performance evaluations every quarter, which will be be published for all United States citizens to review. Performance critieria will include evaluations of each Congressional member's attendance, voting record, and personal conduct. If a particular member's performance is not within pre-established acceptable guidelines, (s)he will be subject to "public reprimand" and could be required to leave office.
Professional politicians, of course, will balk at such restrictions and confinement. They will argue that it will interfere with their ability to do their jobs. They will complain that it limits their personal freedom. O.U.T.R.A.G.E., on the other hand, will maintain that it structures their work day to allow them more productivity. It entrenches the concept that they are in Congress not to enrich themselves, but to serve the public interest. And, since they are public servants, the public has a right to control and monitor their actions at all times, and has a right to reign in their personal freedom while they are doing the nation's work. Once they leave office, their personal freedoms will be returned to them. However, under no circumstances will they be allowed to use their experience as a U.S. Congressman to enrich themselves (i.e., they can't write books that allow them to profit from their experience; they can't become lobbyists or government consultants; they can't accept positions as members of corporate Boards; they can't charge for speeches, etc., etc. Part of the Congressional Attendant program will also be to oversee activities of Congressional members once they leave office. If it is determined that any former member of Congress broke the law - or even the spirit of the law - they may be subject to arrest and tried for treason. If convicted, they could face imprisonment, fines, or even death by public firing squad).
The intent of the Congressional Attendant program (and many surviving, or former, members of Congress will howl at how expensive and ineffective such a program will be) is similar to that of the U.S. Secret Service. Yes, it will be costly, but O.U.T.R.A.G.E. is proposing other changes that will save taxpayers billions of dollars that are now wasted on fraudulent, inefficient, and even unconstitutional programs now in existence). The greatest purpose of this resolution is to bring humility back to members of Congress, and take away their hubris and megolomania. Congress cannot be so isolated from the people they serve that they forget who it is they're serving. Being elected to Congress should not be intended as a full-time, lifetime occupation that includes lavish pay increases; state-of-the-art health and medical care; superior retirement and pension plans; obscene opportunities for wealth and power after leving office; and - most importantly of all - being an elected official of the U.S. Government should not put you above the same laws you've passed and expect others to obey.
Congressional con men have conspired against the American people for more than half-a-decade. We have killed most of them, now we can temper those who remain. We urge every American citizen to get involved and help with this important revitalization of America. At this you are being asked to vote "Yea" or "Nay" to this proposal. Please use the voting devices that have been provided to you. Your Social Security number will be your official password. If this resolution results in a "Yea" vote, it will be written as a legal document and will be submitted at a later date for a final vote before being passed into legislation. Thank you for your attention and cooperation. Tomorrow at 4:55 P.M. EST, another resolution will be presented."
With that, the televised conference faded to black. Those in the audience cautiously picked up their voting devices and - somewhat apprehensively - punched the "Yea" or "Nay" button.
posted by Bushwacker! at 7:07 AM
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