Most Americans feel that Congress is disconnected from Main Street America. A 6 percent approval rating is the result. Illinois has two elected senators (though one carried the load for the state in 2012). Congratulations to Sen. Mark Kirk on his amazing recovery. The senator's recovery was assisted by his full salary (plus stipends), a year's credit toward his pension, a Cadillac insurance policy that covered hundreds of thousands of dollars in hospital, surgeon and pharmacy bills, and the best rehab in America. He could focus on recovery and not worry about the money.
These bills were paid by the citizens of Illinois (and America). Assistance to a brother in need. An extraordinary circumstance of illness where Americans were asked to give a little of their own to assist. Help is an American value and principle. Of the people, by the people and for the people. That same senator in need collected welfare for a year, used hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, held his job, and the Capitol steps were lined to honor and champion his free recovery. All for one and one for all.
That very same senator signed the Norquist pledge, did not support the Affordable Care Act and cast his first vote in a year; a no on avoiding the cliff. Completely dependent on the welfare of 310 million Americans for a year and zero support for those who supported him.
Hey, Washington, that is what we mean by not connected.
Alan P. Murdoch
Arlington Heights
