Ethics and Lobby Reform in Washington

Today there's talk of a new ethics reform package in Congress. Democrats want to make some changes so they'll look better than Republicans, but they argue about just how far to take it. Seems no one in Washington is very eager to empty the vast lake of money, influence and perks available to them. They want to put a little damper on the lobbies. That's like saying "Influence peddling is a big deal to us, but we want to make it less obvious for appearance sake."

Here's what I think must be included in an ethics reform bill.....

1. Outlaw the lobby. Period!
2. Mandatory term limits
3. No retirement package
4. Standard health care
5. Salary subject to activity. No vote, no check. 50% there, 1/2 check.
6. Liability for ALL criminal activity
7. Pay raises according to min wage and budget deficits.
8. Even, public funded campaigns.

THAT... would be a good start!

Then we can address the many other problems that comprise the sloth machine in our overblown bureaucracy.