H highfigh Seriously, I have no life. Sep 14, 2008 24,219 0 113 Sep 5, 2020 #141 Ponzio said: This is scary. I agree with you Click to expand... How dare you???????????? The first members of Congress were paid almost nothing until 1855, except 1815 which, I assume, had to do with the War of 1812 eating the budget and compensation has risen drastically since 1969- Salaries of members of the United States Congress - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Last edited: Sep 5, 2020 Reactions: Ponzio
Ponzio said: This is scary. I agree with you Click to expand... How dare you???????????? The first members of Congress were paid almost nothing until 1855, except 1815 which, I assume, had to do with the War of 1812 eating the budget and compensation has risen drastically since 1969- Salaries of members of the United States Congress - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
Ponzio Audioholic Samurai Jul 23, 2010 2,736 0 113 Sep 5, 2020 #142 highfigh said: How dare you???????????? The first members of Congress were paid almost nothing until 1855, except 1815 which, I assume, had to do with the War of 1812 eating the budget and compensation has risen drastically since 1969- Salaries of members of the United States Congress - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Click to expand... And your point being? That they should work for free? I'm confused. We barely attract the smartest members of society as it is to serve. Especially when they can work in the private sector for 3 to 10 times their current salary. No wonder a vast majority of them are corrupt. We live in a capitalist society and you want them to sit on their hands, while everyone around them (lobbyists) are making a killing. Why do you think most of them become lobbyists after they retire or lose an election? For our benefit? Reactions: Trell
highfigh said: How dare you???????????? The first members of Congress were paid almost nothing until 1855, except 1815 which, I assume, had to do with the War of 1812 eating the budget and compensation has risen drastically since 1969- Salaries of members of the United States Congress - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Click to expand... And your point being? That they should work for free? I'm confused. We barely attract the smartest members of society as it is to serve. Especially when they can work in the private sector for 3 to 10 times their current salary. No wonder a vast majority of them are corrupt. We live in a capitalist society and you want them to sit on their hands, while everyone around them (lobbyists) are making a killing. Why do you think most of them become lobbyists after they retire or lose an election? For our benefit?
H highfigh Seriously, I have no life. Sep 14, 2008 24,219 0 113 Sep 5, 2020 #143 Ponzio said: And your point being? That they should work for free? I'm confused. We barely attract the smartest members of society as it is to serve. Especially when they can work in the private sector for 3 to 10 times their current salary. No wonder a vast majority of them are corrupt. We live in a capitalist society and you want them to sit on their hands, while everyone around them (lobbyists) are making a killing. Why do you think most of them become lobbyists after they retire or lose an election? For our benefit? Click to expand... Not free, but they need to stop seeing Congress as a path to wealth and a long-term career. It's called 'public service' and without term limits, they won't leave. So, your point about this is that they SHOULD be free to make as much as possible while they're in office?
Ponzio said: And your point being? That they should work for free? I'm confused. We barely attract the smartest members of society as it is to serve. Especially when they can work in the private sector for 3 to 10 times their current salary. No wonder a vast majority of them are corrupt. We live in a capitalist society and you want them to sit on their hands, while everyone around them (lobbyists) are making a killing. Why do you think most of them become lobbyists after they retire or lose an election? For our benefit? Click to expand... Not free, but they need to stop seeing Congress as a path to wealth and a long-term career. It's called 'public service' and without term limits, they won't leave. So, your point about this is that they SHOULD be free to make as much as possible while they're in office?
Ponzio Audioholic Samurai Jul 23, 2010 2,736 0 113 Sep 5, 2020 #144 highfigh said: So, your point about this is that they SHOULD be free to make as much as possible while they're in office? Click to expand... You know dam well that's not what I meant. Lets not be facetious here. I do believe, to an extent, that they would be less susceptible to graft/corruption if they were earning a wage, commensurate to their skills. Wouldn't you? I imagine some truly come into the job thinking they can make a change for the best but are soon disabused of the notion watching the pigs at the trough, while they go hungry. Last edited: Sep 5, 2020
highfigh said: So, your point about this is that they SHOULD be free to make as much as possible while they're in office? Click to expand... You know dam well that's not what I meant. Lets not be facetious here. I do believe, to an extent, that they would be less susceptible to graft/corruption if they were earning a wage, commensurate to their skills. Wouldn't you? I imagine some truly come into the job thinking they can make a change for the best but are soon disabused of the notion watching the pigs at the trough, while they go hungry.
lovinthehd Audioholic Jedi Sep 11, 2012 44,872 0 113 Oakridge, OR Sep 5, 2020 #145 Mikado463 said: I agree, protesting and rioting are stupid .......... Click to expand... You left out the guns part. Nothing wrong with a protest, or perhaps even a riot when called for, but without guns. Carrying guns around generally is stupid, but in "mob" circumstances certainly won't help. Reactions: davidscott, eljr and Ponzio
Mikado463 said: I agree, protesting and rioting are stupid .......... Click to expand... You left out the guns part. Nothing wrong with a protest, or perhaps even a riot when called for, but without guns. Carrying guns around generally is stupid, but in "mob" circumstances certainly won't help.
eljr Audioholic General May 27, 2007 1,232 0 83 first farm north of Manhattan Sep 14, 2020 #146 Ponzio said: Joe's a lot of things; centrist he's not. He's from the conservative wing of the party, always has been. He's changed his conservative positions (economically, domestic & internationally) only when necessary and the times call for it. It was the main reason Obama picked him as his VP, to balance the ticket. Click to expand... What are you saying? I don't follow. If he is from teh right of the DNC he is a centrist in the national debate. //??????????????????
Ponzio said: Joe's a lot of things; centrist he's not. He's from the conservative wing of the party, always has been. He's changed his conservative positions (economically, domestic & internationally) only when necessary and the times call for it. It was the main reason Obama picked him as his VP, to balance the ticket. Click to expand... What are you saying? I don't follow. If he is from teh right of the DNC he is a centrist in the national debate. //??????????????????
KEW Audioholic Overlord Jul 12, 2009 11,572 0 113 Jowjah Sep 14, 2020 #147 highfigh said: We need to make it abundantly clear that we're pissed off and that we're are sick of the shyte being done in our government. They need to understand that if they want to keep their positions, they need to represent us in a way that reflects what we actually want and need, not what makes them wealthy, powerful and lazy. Their avarice and greed are what prevents peace, civility and some level of contentment in the general population. I have a suggestion for making Congress change- alter the system so we determine their compensation and make it necessary for them to ask us for a pay raise. If we don't approve of their performance, they don't get it. They determine their own compensation and they also made it possible to receive money from lobbyists- that's insane. Click to expand... ... highfigh said: If anyone knows how this can be implemented, we need to look into it and make it happen. Congress' approval rating is below 20%- if most people in the private sector performed that badly, we wouldn't have that job. Click to expand... I think we'll need to start with protesting! We can bring guns and get better media attention - how cool would it be to have a picture of me looking tough with my assault rifle in the newspapers?! Last edited: Sep 14, 2020
highfigh said: We need to make it abundantly clear that we're pissed off and that we're are sick of the shyte being done in our government. They need to understand that if they want to keep their positions, they need to represent us in a way that reflects what we actually want and need, not what makes them wealthy, powerful and lazy. Their avarice and greed are what prevents peace, civility and some level of contentment in the general population. I have a suggestion for making Congress change- alter the system so we determine their compensation and make it necessary for them to ask us for a pay raise. If we don't approve of their performance, they don't get it. They determine their own compensation and they also made it possible to receive money from lobbyists- that's insane. Click to expand... ... highfigh said: If anyone knows how this can be implemented, we need to look into it and make it happen. Congress' approval rating is below 20%- if most people in the private sector performed that badly, we wouldn't have that job. Click to expand... I think we'll need to start with protesting! We can bring guns and get better media attention - how cool would it be to have a picture of me looking tough with my assault rifle in the newspapers?!
Ponzio Audioholic Samurai Jul 23, 2010 2,736 0 113 Sep 14, 2020 #148 eljr said: What are you saying? I don't follow. If he is from teh right of the DNC he is a centrist in the national debate. //?????????????????? Click to expand... I believe if you look at his voting record in the Senate you'll agree or maybe not. One mans ceiling is another mans floor.
eljr said: What are you saying? I don't follow. If he is from teh right of the DNC he is a centrist in the national debate. //?????????????????? Click to expand... I believe if you look at his voting record in the Senate you'll agree or maybe not. One mans ceiling is another mans floor.
eljr Audioholic General May 27, 2007 1,232 0 83 first farm north of Manhattan Sep 14, 2020 #149 Ponzio said: I believe if you look at his voting record in the Senate you'll agree or maybe not. One mans ceiling is another mans floor. Click to expand... I can't follow what you are saying. Can you be plain. Thanks
Ponzio said: I believe if you look at his voting record in the Senate you'll agree or maybe not. One mans ceiling is another mans floor. Click to expand... I can't follow what you are saying. Can you be plain. Thanks
adk highlander Sith Lord Nov 13, 2006 4,310 0 113 Whiteface Sep 14, 2020 #150 eljr said: I can't follow what you are saying. Can you be plain. Thanks Click to expand... He saying that historically Biden has voted more on the fiscally conservative side and had many views that fell in the center and worked with Republicans. Reactions: Ponzio
eljr said: I can't follow what you are saying. Can you be plain. Thanks Click to expand... He saying that historically Biden has voted more on the fiscally conservative side and had many views that fell in the center and worked with Republicans.
chris357 Senior Audioholic Jul 1, 2009 735 0 43 57 Johnsburg, IL Sep 15, 2020 #151 KEW said: ... I think we'll need to start with protesting! We can bring guns and get better media attention - how cool would it be to have a picture of me looking tough with my assault rifle in the newspapers?! Click to expand... Whats an Assault rifle? Reactions: Trell
KEW said: ... I think we'll need to start with protesting! We can bring guns and get better media attention - how cool would it be to have a picture of me looking tough with my assault rifle in the newspapers?! Click to expand... Whats an Assault rifle?
Ponzio Audioholic Samurai Jul 23, 2010 2,736 0 113 Sep 15, 2020 #152 eljr said: I can't follow what you are saying. Can you be plain. Thanks Click to expand... What adk said.
eljr said: I can't follow what you are saying. Can you be plain. Thanks Click to expand... What adk said.
H highfigh Seriously, I have no life. Sep 14, 2008 24,219 0 113 Sep 15, 2020 #153 KEW said: ... I think we'll need to start with protesting! We can bring guns and get better media attention - how cool would it be to have a picture of me looking tough with my assault rifle in the newspapers?! Click to expand... Protesting only goes so far- what happens after the protesters lose interest, which seems to have happened lately. It's time to start negotiating when that happens. I had a door and window open last night and heard very little noise- that's a huge change compared with the nights during the protesting. I heard a lot of cars driving recklessly, gunfire, horns honking..... Going to a protest with a gun is OK if it's concealed, I guess but openly carrying is a case of "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should"- it changes the whole dynamic of the situation and makes people do things they normally wouldn't.
KEW said: ... I think we'll need to start with protesting! We can bring guns and get better media attention - how cool would it be to have a picture of me looking tough with my assault rifle in the newspapers?! Click to expand... Protesting only goes so far- what happens after the protesters lose interest, which seems to have happened lately. It's time to start negotiating when that happens. I had a door and window open last night and heard very little noise- that's a huge change compared with the nights during the protesting. I heard a lot of cars driving recklessly, gunfire, horns honking..... Going to a protest with a gun is OK if it's concealed, I guess but openly carrying is a case of "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should"- it changes the whole dynamic of the situation and makes people do things they normally wouldn't.
H highfigh Seriously, I have no life. Sep 14, 2008 24,219 0 113 Sep 15, 2020 #154 chris357 said: Whats an Assault rifle? Click to expand... Ask someone from the media what 'AR' stands for- that should tell you. Reactions: chris357
chris357 said: Whats an Assault rifle? Click to expand... Ask someone from the media what 'AR' stands for- that should tell you.
KEW Audioholic Overlord Jul 12, 2009 11,572 0 113 Jowjah Sep 15, 2020 #155 highfigh said: Protesting only goes so far- what happens after the protesters lose interest, which seems to have happened lately. It's time to start negotiating when that happens. I had a door and window open last night and heard very little noise- that's a huge change compared with the nights during the protesting. I heard a lot of cars driving recklessly, gunfire, horns honking..... Going to a protest with a gun is OK if it's concealed, I guess but openly carrying is a case of "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should"- it changes the whole dynamic of the situation and makes people do things they normally wouldn't. Click to expand... Glad things in your neighborhood have settled a bit. I feel for ya. I spent 5 days in Milwaukee in 1991 and it was the best city I had ever visited, with the nice old beer halls (or whatever you call the old bars with dark hardwood timbers and that "Old World" ambiance) ... and wonderful smells of beer, chocolates, pastrami, etc. Of course, my friend/tour guide did not have reason to show me the bad side of Milwaukee, but my last visit (when you gave me the list of audio shops to check out) encountered neighborhoods that had fallen into decay, but were clearly once very pleasant!
highfigh said: Protesting only goes so far- what happens after the protesters lose interest, which seems to have happened lately. It's time to start negotiating when that happens. I had a door and window open last night and heard very little noise- that's a huge change compared with the nights during the protesting. I heard a lot of cars driving recklessly, gunfire, horns honking..... Going to a protest with a gun is OK if it's concealed, I guess but openly carrying is a case of "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should"- it changes the whole dynamic of the situation and makes people do things they normally wouldn't. Click to expand... Glad things in your neighborhood have settled a bit. I feel for ya. I spent 5 days in Milwaukee in 1991 and it was the best city I had ever visited, with the nice old beer halls (or whatever you call the old bars with dark hardwood timbers and that "Old World" ambiance) ... and wonderful smells of beer, chocolates, pastrami, etc. Of course, my friend/tour guide did not have reason to show me the bad side of Milwaukee, but my last visit (when you gave me the list of audio shops to check out) encountered neighborhoods that had fallen into decay, but were clearly once very pleasant!
H highfigh Seriously, I have no life. Sep 14, 2008 24,219 0 113 Sep 15, 2020 #156 KEW said: Glad things in your neighborhood have settled a bit. I feel for ya. I spent 5 days in Milwaukee in 1991 and it was the best city I had ever visited, with the nice old beer halls (or whatever you call the old bars with dark hardwood timbers and that "Old World" ambiance) ... and wonderful smells of beer, chocolates, pastrami, etc. Of course, my friend/tour guide did not have reason to show me the bad side of Milwaukee, but my last visit (when you gave me the list of audio shops to check out) encountered neighborhoods that had fallen into decay, but were clearly once very pleasant! Click to expand... It's not my neighborhood that had this stuff going on, it was the surrounding area- the sound carries well. I'm in a suburb at the North border of the city. This was a great city but the local leaders have one set of goals and the people have other needs. They spend money on things that aren't needed like it has always been at the top of the list and skimp on what's needed. The trolley is a good example- there was no demand for it, but the Mayor wanted it in the worst way, so he got it and when they saw that there was no way it would support itself, the local casino stepped up and paid for ridership for a whole year. Once that's done, and I have never seen one of the cars with a large number of riders, I expect it to be in deep doodoo until someone else fires up for free tickets. The Mayor wants to expand it, too. Sure, it has riders at some times (well, it did before COVID), but that's more because it's free. Sounds like you were around Old World Third Street- if you remember a place called 'Mader's' across from Usinger's and it was just West of the river with a small park that has a stage adjacent to the water. The old craftsmanship was incredible and a lot of those places still exist, but some have been lost. Ambrosia Chocolate has moved, unfortunately, but the smell was a good thing. Reactions: KEW
KEW said: Glad things in your neighborhood have settled a bit. I feel for ya. I spent 5 days in Milwaukee in 1991 and it was the best city I had ever visited, with the nice old beer halls (or whatever you call the old bars with dark hardwood timbers and that "Old World" ambiance) ... and wonderful smells of beer, chocolates, pastrami, etc. Of course, my friend/tour guide did not have reason to show me the bad side of Milwaukee, but my last visit (when you gave me the list of audio shops to check out) encountered neighborhoods that had fallen into decay, but were clearly once very pleasant! Click to expand... It's not my neighborhood that had this stuff going on, it was the surrounding area- the sound carries well. I'm in a suburb at the North border of the city. This was a great city but the local leaders have one set of goals and the people have other needs. They spend money on things that aren't needed like it has always been at the top of the list and skimp on what's needed. The trolley is a good example- there was no demand for it, but the Mayor wanted it in the worst way, so he got it and when they saw that there was no way it would support itself, the local casino stepped up and paid for ridership for a whole year. Once that's done, and I have never seen one of the cars with a large number of riders, I expect it to be in deep doodoo until someone else fires up for free tickets. The Mayor wants to expand it, too. Sure, it has riders at some times (well, it did before COVID), but that's more because it's free. Sounds like you were around Old World Third Street- if you remember a place called 'Mader's' across from Usinger's and it was just West of the river with a small park that has a stage adjacent to the water. The old craftsmanship was incredible and a lot of those places still exist, but some have been lost. Ambrosia Chocolate has moved, unfortunately, but the smell was a good thing.
KEW Audioholic Overlord Jul 12, 2009 11,572 0 113 Jowjah Sep 15, 2020 #157 highfigh said: Sounds like you were around Old World Third Street- if you remember a place called 'Mader's' across from Usinger's and it was just West of the river with a small park that has a stage adjacent to the water. The old craftsmanship was incredible and a lot of those places still exist, but some have been lost. Ambrosia Chocolate has moved, unfortunately, but the smell was a good thing. Click to expand... I honestly don't remember any specifics, but that sure sounds right!
highfigh said: Sounds like you were around Old World Third Street- if you remember a place called 'Mader's' across from Usinger's and it was just West of the river with a small park that has a stage adjacent to the water. The old craftsmanship was incredible and a lot of those places still exist, but some have been lost. Ambrosia Chocolate has moved, unfortunately, but the smell was a good thing. Click to expand... I honestly don't remember any specifics, but that sure sounds right!
H highfigh Seriously, I have no life. Sep 14, 2008 24,219 0 113 Sep 15, 2020 #158 KEW said: I honestly don't remember any specifics, but that sure sounds right! Click to expand... If you smelled chocolate and sausage, I can almost guarantee you were close. You probably smelled beer being brewed, too. Reactions: KEW
KEW said: I honestly don't remember any specifics, but that sure sounds right! Click to expand... If you smelled chocolate and sausage, I can almost guarantee you were close. You probably smelled beer being brewed, too.
eljr Audioholic General May 27, 2007 1,232 0 83 first farm north of Manhattan Sep 18, 2020 #159 adk highlander said: He saying that historically Biden has voted more on the fiscally conservative side and had many views that fell in the center and worked with Republicans. Click to expand... Well then he is correct. Thanks.
adk highlander said: He saying that historically Biden has voted more on the fiscally conservative side and had many views that fell in the center and worked with Republicans. Click to expand... Well then he is correct. Thanks.
H highfigh Seriously, I have no life. Sep 14, 2008 24,219 0 113 Sep 22, 2020 #160 Ponzio said: You know dam well that's not what I meant. Lets not be facetious here. I do believe, to an extent, that they would be less susceptible to graft/corruption if they were earning a wage, commensurate to their skills. Wouldn't you? I imagine some truly come into the job thinking they can make a change for the best but are soon disabused of the notion watching the pigs at the trough, while they go hungry. Click to expand... If they want higher pay, they can always leave office and let someone else take the financial hit. They determine their own pay- who the hell let that happen? They only work during part of the year, they have protections that we don't...hell, they even have this- Congress’ sexual harassment system, decoded POLITICO answers some of the most pressing questions and misconceptions about how Capitol Hill handles, and settles, misconduct complaints. www.politico.com Paying members of Congress for favorable influence is bribery, plain and simple. Who determines their skill level and pay? They do. The only others who get to do this are people who own a company. Congress doesn't own anything, but they're making us pay dearly for their decisions. Reactions: Gmoney, chris357 and Ponzio
Ponzio said: You know dam well that's not what I meant. Lets not be facetious here. I do believe, to an extent, that they would be less susceptible to graft/corruption if they were earning a wage, commensurate to their skills. Wouldn't you? I imagine some truly come into the job thinking they can make a change for the best but are soon disabused of the notion watching the pigs at the trough, while they go hungry. Click to expand... If they want higher pay, they can always leave office and let someone else take the financial hit. They determine their own pay- who the hell let that happen? They only work during part of the year, they have protections that we don't...hell, they even have this- Congress’ sexual harassment system, decoded POLITICO answers some of the most pressing questions and misconceptions about how Capitol Hill handles, and settles, misconduct complaints. www.politico.com Paying members of Congress for favorable influence is bribery, plain and simple. Who determines their skill level and pay? They do. The only others who get to do this are people who own a company. Congress doesn't own anything, but they're making us pay dearly for their decisions.
