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Squatting in the Peoples' House
Author: BobR
Date: 2011-02-16 12:05:49
We've all heard mention of coworkers who "live at the office". This is often meant as a subtle put-down against over-achievers, those who are willing to sacrifice their personal lives to get ahead in their professions, where most people prefer a more balanced lifestyle. Imagine, though, if you worked with someone who actually lived at the office? Imagine that at the end of the day, they roll out a sleeping bag and sleep right there on the floor? You know they're getting paid enough to have their own home... why would they do that?
That's a question for numerous of our country's legislators. In a recent WaPo article, they describe several freshman House Reps that are living in their offices. Are they not getting paid enough to afford a place to live? Of course they are - their salary is several times the national average for all Americans. So what is their rationale?
In a word - politics.
Many were carried into office on a message of austerity and fiscal restraint. Yet how much of that really rings true?
Not only are they NOT paying for the electricity they use after hours, not only are they NOT paying for the hot showers they take, they are in essence stealing from the taxpayers of DC. Every time they flush one of their partisan turds down the bowl, it's the sewage treatment plants that were funded by DC taxpayers that takes care of it.
They are also not contributing to the local economy from which they take by not paying rent (and thus property taxes - indirectly), along with the electricity and water and gas they're not paying for. What do you suppose they think of that?
So - they are looking down their noses at a city and its hard-working people working for low wages to clean out the wastebaskets of these ingrateful squatters. To add to the indignity, the residents of DC don't actually get any representation in the House which these elitists seem to think is their dorm room.
One thing Republicans have always been very good at is political theatre. This fits solidly in that category. The only problem is - the plot of this story has more holes in it than a straight-to-video murder mystery. None of them have thought beyond the political statement they are trying to make to understand the reality of their actions. They take without giving anything back, then claim they know how to balance the budget. Their claims ring as hollow as their actions.
One can only hope the American people aren't buying a ticket to this show.
That's a question for numerous of our country's legislators. In a recent WaPo article, they describe several freshman House Reps that are living in their offices. Are they not getting paid enough to afford a place to live? Of course they are - their salary is several times the national average for all Americans. So what is their rationale?
In a word - politics.
Many were carried into office on a message of austerity and fiscal restraint. Yet how much of that really rings true?
These legislators usually spend three nights a week snoozing in their offices. Finding a place to shower is the easy part. They walk through tunnels to use the facilities in the House gym.
[...]
These gestures strike some as hypocritical: This freshman class ran on a promise to save taxpayers money. But living in one's office would seem to do the opposite - taxpayers have to spring for extra electricity, extra showers.
Not only are they NOT paying for the electricity they use after hours, not only are they NOT paying for the hot showers they take, they are in essence stealing from the taxpayers of DC. Every time they flush one of their partisan turds down the bowl, it's the sewage treatment plants that were funded by DC taxpayers that takes care of it.
They are also not contributing to the local economy from which they take by not paying rent (and thus property taxes - indirectly), along with the electricity and water and gas they're not paying for. What do you suppose they think of that?
They are joining several dozen incumbents who sleep in their offices: some to save money, some to make the same point about Washington's evils. It's not that housing in the city is beyond reach, since a congressman makes $174,000 per year. But they don't want to be seen paying rent here.
[...]
"This city is seductive," said Walsh, a former investor and tea party favorite who upset the Democratic incumbent by 292 votes. "Many of the freshmen will probably turn. But I won't. I came here to be a model of this kind of representation."
So - they are looking down their noses at a city and its hard-working people working for low wages to clean out the wastebaskets of these ingrateful squatters. To add to the indignity, the residents of DC don't actually get any representation in the House which these elitists seem to think is their dorm room.
One thing Republicans have always been very good at is political theatre. This fits solidly in that category. The only problem is - the plot of this story has more holes in it than a straight-to-video murder mystery. None of them have thought beyond the political statement they are trying to make to understand the reality of their actions. They take without giving anything back, then claim they know how to balance the budget. Their claims ring as hollow as their actions.
One can only hope the American people aren't buying a ticket to this show.
Comments:
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Comment by 
Scoopster on 02/16/2011 14:02:18
Scoopster on 02/16/2011 14:02:18
Comment by 
wickedpam on 02/16/2011 14:06:53
wickedpam on 02/16/2011 14:06:53
Morning 
You know I'm really getting tired of the people that call DC evil. Its a beautiful city, with residents who are very proud and get crap in return, and for the most part people who work there to support the powerful and amazing ideal of democracy.
You know I'm really getting tired of the people that call DC evil. Its a beautiful city, with residents who are very proud and get crap in return, and for the most part people who work there to support the powerful and amazing ideal of democracy.
Comment by Scoopster on 02/16/2011 14:27:36
Scoopster on 02/16/2011 14:27:36
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 14:27:43
trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 14:27:43
Wanker - Walker
Hedgehog - Hedgecock
Boner - Boehner
Hedgehog - Hedgecock
Boner - Boehner
Comment by 
Raine on 02/16/2011 14:44:07
Raine on 02/16/2011 14:44:07
This is repulsive. Just repulsive.
Nir Rosen, the far-left journalist who joked about the sexual assault on Lara Logan, has company: Debbie Schlussel, the extreme right-wing commentator. Rosen calls for the elimination of Israel, and is a pro-Hamas Hezbollah apologist; Schlussel is a racist anti-Muslim commentator. They come from radically different places on the political spectrum, and yet they share a common inhumanity. Here is Schlussel finding great happiness in the rape of Lara Logan:
Comment by wickedpam on 02/16/2011 14:49:36
jeez, and again I ask have we forgotten about shame - these people should be ashamed of themselves but I suspect they don't
wickedpam on 02/16/2011 14:49:36
Quote by Raine:
This is repulsive. Just repulsive.Nir Rosen, the far-left journalist who joked about the sexual assault on Lara Logan, has company: Debbie Schlussel, the extreme right-wing commentator. Rosen calls for the elimination of Israel, and is a pro-Hamas Hezbollah apologist; Schlussel is a racist anti-Muslim commentator. They come from radically different places on the political spectrum, and yet they share a common inhumanity. Here is Schlussel finding great happiness in the rape of Lara Logan:
jeez, and again I ask have we forgotten about shame - these people should be ashamed of themselves but I suspect they don't
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 14:58:35
Raine on 02/16/2011 14:58:35
Comment by Scoopster on 02/16/2011 15:04:34
Scoopster on 02/16/2011 15:04:34
UGHGHGHG... the workers in the building set off the damn fire alarm with all the dust they've kicked up.
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 15:08:53
Raine on 02/16/2011 15:08:53
Senate shortened the Patriot Act extension to 3 months.
Rand Paul voted no on the provision.
Rand Paul voted no on the provision.
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 15:22:08
Raine on 02/16/2011 15:22:08
Senate passes short-term extension of Patriot Act provisions
Tuesday's Senate vote came one day after the House passed a measure that would extend the three Patriot Act provisions through December. The three provisions -- dealing with roving wiretaps, "lone wolf" terrorism suspects and the government's ability to seize "any tangible items" in the course of surveillance -- are set to expire Feb. 28 if Congress does not act to extend them.
The Senate had been considering several different proposals that would have extended the Patriot Act provisions permanently or through 2013. But given the time constraints -- both chambers are in recess next week -- Senate leaders agreed to a short-term extension through May 27 to give Congress more time to work toward a longer-term reauthorization.
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 15:31:17
Raine on 02/16/2011 15:31:17
caller needs to take a breath!
Comment by wickedpam on 02/16/2011 15:39:00
wickedpam on 02/16/2011 15:39:00
you'd think a Pea would have a better phone
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 15:39:19
Raine on 02/16/2011 15:39:19
Well it's not like we didn't know Curveball was lying. But now from Curveball himself.
Curveball: How US was duped by Iraqi fantasist looking to topple Saddam
Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi let imagination run wild and became main source for Colin Powell's case for war in 2003
Defector admits to WMD lies that triggered Iraq war
Admissions vindicate CIA's former Europe chief
Curveball: How US was duped by Iraqi fantasist looking to topple Saddam
Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi let imagination run wild and became main source for Colin Powell's case for war in 2003
Defector admits to WMD lies that triggered Iraq war
Admissions vindicate CIA's former Europe chief
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 15:39:40
One would think.
Raine on 02/16/2011 15:39:40
Quote by wickedpam:
you'd think a Pea would have a better phone
One would think.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 15:54:35
trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 15:54:35
War criminals & Fox News
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 15:59:50
trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 15:59:50
And one of Gretchen Carlson's nannies was none other than Michelle Bachmann.
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 16:06:22
that is scary.
Raine on 02/16/2011 16:06:22
Quote by trojanrabbit:
And one of Gretchen Carlson's nannies was none other than Michelle Bachmann.
Comment by 
BobR on 02/16/2011 16:07:32
Hopefully, this will make clear to EVERYONE that we went to war with Iraq based on the SECONDHAND lies of ONE MAN.
BobR on 02/16/2011 16:07:32
Quote by Raine:
Well it's not like we didn't know Curveball was lying. But now from Curveball himself.
Curveball: How US was duped by Iraqi fantasist looking to topple Saddam
Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi let imagination run wild and became main source for Colin Powell's case for war in 2003
Defector admits to WMD lies that triggered Iraq war
Admissions vindicate CIA's former Europe chief
As Curveball watched Powell make the US case to invade Iraq, he was hiding an admission that he has not made until now: that nearly every word he had told his interrogators from Germany's secret service, the BND, was a lie.
Everything he had said about the inner workings of Saddam Hussein's biological weapons programme was a flight of fantasy - one that, he now claims was aimed at ousting the Iraqi dictator. Janabi, a chemical engineering graduate who had worked in the Iraqi industry, says he looked on in shock as Powell's presentation revealed that the Bush administration's hawkish decisionmakers had swallowed the lot. Something else left him even more amazed; until that point he had not met a US official, let alone been interviewed by one.
Hopefully, this will make clear to EVERYONE that we went to war with Iraq based on the SECONDHAND lies of ONE MAN.
Comment by BobR on 02/16/2011 16:26:19
BobR on 02/16/2011 16:26:19
Malloy on the show!!
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 16:29:47
Raine on 02/16/2011 16:29:47
Charlie Sheen is a hot mess.
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 16:38:25
Raine on 02/16/2011 16:38:25
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 16:49:22
Raine on 02/16/2011 16:49:22
In case you missed it:
So be it.
There it is. The GOP in 3 words. Heartless scumf*cker.
Wisconsin, New Jersey and now the federal Government.
So be it.
There it is. The GOP in 3 words. Heartless scumf*cker.
Wisconsin, New Jersey and now the federal Government.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/16/2011 16:50:12
wickedpam on 02/16/2011 16:50:12
Anyone know where I can find the laws about federal wiretapping -the idiots on my board are again saying that I'm in violation a some federal law about wiretapping HOA meetings when the VA law states that you can. I hate these people, seriously
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 16:51:56
Nir Rosen has left his position at NYU over his tweets.
Raine on 02/16/2011 16:51:56
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
This is repulsive. Just repulsive.Nir Rosen, the far-left journalist who joked about the sexual assault on Lara Logan, has company: Debbie Schlussel, the extreme right-wing commentator. Rosen calls for the elimination of Israel, and is a pro-Hamas Hezbollah apologist; Schlussel is a racist anti-Muslim commentator. They come from radically different places on the political spectrum, and yet they share a common inhumanity. Here is Schlussel finding great happiness in the rape of Lara Logan:
jeez, and again I ask have we forgotten about shame - these people should be ashamed of themselves but I suspect they don't
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 16:52:22
Raine on 02/16/2011 16:52:22
the disgust is dripping onto my computer from jim.
Comment by Scoopster on 02/16/2011 16:53:37
Scoopster on 02/16/2011 16:53:37
Just discovered that Wisconsin has a recall law. My day is so much brighter now.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/16/2011 16:53:39
maybe someone does get the concept of shame
wickedpam on 02/16/2011 16:53:39
Quote by Raine:Nir Rosen has left his position at NYU over his tweets.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
This is repulsive. Just repulsive.Nir Rosen, the far-left journalist who joked about the sexual assault on Lara Logan, has company: Debbie Schlussel, the extreme right-wing commentator. Rosen calls for the elimination of Israel, and is a pro-Hamas Hezbollah apologist; Schlussel is a racist anti-Muslim commentator. They come from radically different places on the political spectrum, and yet they share a common inhumanity. Here is Schlussel finding great happiness in the rape of Lara Logan:
jeez, and again I ask have we forgotten about shame - these people should be ashamed of themselves but I suspect they don't
maybe someone does get the concept of shame
Comment by 
livingonli on 02/16/2011 16:57:44
livingonli on 02/16/2011 16:57:44
Good morning all.
The debate really needs to be framed to show that the modern GOP and conservatism is all about being a selfish prick.
The debate really needs to be framed to show that the modern GOP and conservatism is all about being a selfish prick.
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 16:58:22
I was thinking the same thing.
Raine on 02/16/2011 16:58:22
Quote by wickedpam:ft his position at NYU over his tweets.
maybe someone does get the concept of shame
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 16:58:59
Oh? that is hopeful, indeed!
Raine on 02/16/2011 16:58:59
Quote by Scoopster:
Just discovered that Wisconsin has a recall law. My day is so much brighter now.
Oh? that is hopeful, indeed!
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 16:59:36
All they gotta do is wait a year before they can file.
trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 16:59:36
Quote by Scoopster:
Just discovered that Wisconsin has a recall law. My day is so much brighter now.
All they gotta do is wait a year before they can file.
Comment by livingonli on 02/16/2011 17:04:13
I do hope the idiots who voted GOP finally get buyers remorse.
livingonli on 02/16/2011 17:04:13
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Just discovered that Wisconsin has a recall law. My day is so much brighter now.
Oh? that is hopeful, indeed!
I do hope the idiots who voted GOP finally get buyers remorse.
Comment by Scoopster on 02/16/2011 17:07:20
Scoopster on 02/16/2011 17:07:20
Comment by livingonli on 02/16/2011 17:10:01
livingonli on 02/16/2011 17:10:01
A GOP congresscritter is defending the House sleepovers right now on MSNBC. They argue because they are working so hard. It doesn't seem like they pull that many hours to me.
Comment by Scoopster on 02/16/2011 17:12:55
Scoopster on 02/16/2011 17:12:55
As part of that thing I mentioned last night about recommitting.
Just found this website - I think imma go to Boston for their first day of action..
Just found this website - I think imma go to Boston for their first day of action..
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 17:14:04
That is Bullshit.
And we all know it. Go get a long term stay apartment. Or just go home -- this is part of the job.
Raine on 02/16/2011 17:14:04
Quote by livingonli:
A GOP congresscritter is defending the House sleepovers right now on MSNBC. They argue because they are working so hard. It doesn't seem like they pull that many hours to me.
That is Bullshit.
And we all know it. Go get a long term stay apartment. Or just go home -- this is part of the job.
Comment by Scoopster on 02/16/2011 17:21:02
Oh what a load of shit.. one look at the House calendar compared to the last two years and you can see all the extra weeks off they have for so-called "constituent outreach", which WE KNOW is comprised mostly of fundraisers thrown by USCOC and the Koch Brothers.
Scoopster on 02/16/2011 17:21:02
Quote by livingonli:
A GOP congresscritter is defending the House sleepovers right now on MSNBC. They argue because they are working so hard. It doesn't seem like they pull that many hours to me.
Oh what a load of shit.. one look at the House calendar compared to the last two years and you can see all the extra weeks off they have for so-called "constituent outreach", which WE KNOW is comprised mostly of fundraisers thrown by USCOC and the Koch Brothers.
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 17:25:43
They end work at 7 pm. I'm pretty sure they don;t do constituent work after that time. Here is the schedule for today.
I swear I would love to see one or 2 of them at a pub in DC. I think I may make this my new hobby come spring time.
Raine on 02/16/2011 17:25:43
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by livingonli:
A GOP congresscritter is defending the House sleepovers right now on MSNBC. They argue because they are working so hard. It doesn't seem like they pull that many hours to me.
Oh what a load of shit.. one look at the House calendar compared to the last two years and you can see all the extra weeks off they have for so-called "constituent outreach", which WE KNOW is comprised mostly of fundraisers thrown by USCOC and the Koch Brothers.
I swear I would love to see one or 2 of them at a pub in DC. I think I may make this my new hobby come spring time.
Comment by livingonli on 02/16/2011 17:27:22
We should find out where the Boner drinks and get footage of him shit-faced.
livingonli on 02/16/2011 17:27:22
Quote by Raine:They end work at 7 pm. I'm pretty sure they don;t do constituent work after that time. Here is the schedule for today.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by livingonli:
A GOP congresscritter is defending the House sleepovers right now on MSNBC. They argue because they are working so hard. It doesn't seem like they pull that many hours to me.
Oh what a load of shit.. one look at the House calendar compared to the last two years and you can see all the extra weeks off they have for so-called "constituent outreach", which WE KNOW is comprised mostly of fundraisers thrown by USCOC and the Koch Brothers.
I swear I would love to see one or 2 of them at a pub in DC. I think I may make this my new hobby come spring time.
We should find out where the Boner drinks and get footage of him shit-faced.
Comment by Scoopster on 02/16/2011 17:27:35
Scoopster on 02/16/2011 17:27:35
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 17:29:23
He should probably pay a visit to the Dixie Chicks right about now.
Raine on 02/16/2011 17:29:23
Quote by Scoopster:
Ugh i don't care what he says he's still an overhyped teen goober.
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 17:30:53
Don't think I haven't been working on it.
Raine on 02/16/2011 17:30:53
Quote by livingonli:
We should find out where the Boner drinks and get footage of him shit-faced.
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 17:35:21
This is Boners PAC. Look at what his PAC likes to buy.
Raine on 02/16/2011 17:35:21
Quote by Raine:
This is where Boner likes to buy liquor...
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 17:38:17
His career's gonna be far shorter than the Dixie Chicks, no matter what he does.
Which will be when he gets too big for his britches and the next overhyped teen goober is groomed.
trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 17:38:17
Quote by Raine:He should probably pay a visit to the Dixie Chicks right about now.Quote by Scoopster:
Ugh i don't care what he says he's still an overhyped teen goober.
His career's gonna be far shorter than the Dixie Chicks, no matter what he does.
Which will be when he gets too big for his britches and the next overhyped teen goober is groomed.
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 17:43:01
Raine on 02/16/2011 17:43:01
Comment by Raine on 02/16/2011 17:48:01
Raine on 02/16/2011 17:48:01
Capitol Hill CLub No one outside of GOP establishment is getting in there. he spent 23,000 bucks there last year.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 17:51:10
trojanrabbit on 02/16/2011 17:51:10
Posted for no reason in particular 
Oh, about that jet engine Defense doesn't want / need. Hey, it's in The Boner's district. How about that. Nope, can't cut that, we're broke.
Oh, about that jet engine Defense doesn't want / need. Hey, it's in The Boner's district. How about that. Nope, can't cut that, we're broke.
Comment by livingonli on 02/16/2011 17:58:55
Looking at all these links show the GOP just want to hang out with the well-heeled and not with the common man they supposedly represent.
livingonli on 02/16/2011 17:58:55
Quote by Raine:
Capitol Hill CLub No one outside of GOP establishment is getting in there. he spent 23,000 bucks there last year.
Looking at all these links show the GOP just want to hang out with the well-heeled and not with the common man they supposedly represent.