Give elected officials just one term

Is it any wonder why 46 percent (249 out of 535) members of Congress are millionaires? In the past six years, the average American’s net worth has dropped 8 percent while members of Congress got, on average, 15 percent richer, according to a New York Times analysis of financial disclosures forms. The median net worth of members of Congress is about $913,000, compared with about $100,000 for the country at large, the Times’ analysis found.

In 1963, the top individual income tax rate was 91 percent, in 1981 it was 70 percent, in 1982 it was 50 percent and currently it is 35 percent. And not only that, but the tax rate on dividend income, which the rich have the greatest proportion of, is 15 percent. Who do you think has benefited the most from these tax rate reductions; and who legislated these rates?

What can be done to change this system? Some say make new laws. Well, that won’t happen because the people who propose and pass these laws are the same people you are trying protect against. That’s like telling the hungry fox that’s already in the henhouse to not eat the chickens.

An elected person should serve no more than one term in office. With one term, the elected official: 1) would not spend any time in office on raising money or campaigning for re-election, 2) would not owe favors to big contributors, 3) would limit the time he has to “make connections” and allies, 4) would not be able to become eligible for a pension, 5) would provide fresh ideals and solutions and 6) would be more in touch with the average citizen.

Wake up, middle class. Study the ballot and vote all incumbents out of office.

James J. Dubinski

Rolling Meadows