“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”~ John D. Rockefeller

A credo which appears to be working for “nearly 2,000 House of Representatives staffers [who] pulled down six-figure salaries in 2009, including 43 staffers who earned the maximum $172,500 — or more than three times the median U.S. household income.”  (See the details by clicking here for the www.politico.com story.)

Thus, one’s response to the President’s call to public service would not only be admirable but which can come with financial gain as well.  Not a difficult choice, you say.  Ah, but here is the crux … only certain elite rank and file of Congress make an annual income of about $174,000.  The article states that it is a small percentage but growing in rapid rate in the Democratic administration. Sound familiar?

Given the state of the economy, the high rate of unemployment, add to that the financial debt the country is in, not excluding the TARP and other bailouts, how is it that certain politicos are receiving such incomes? Admittedly, there are those who have invested a number of years in government roles, with post-graduate degrees and extensive experience.  However, as the article indicates, these salaries are to keep “their talent”.  Where have we heard that before!? Wonder if that explains why those formerly coming from high-level, high-paying private sector positions are now in public sector roles.

Albeit the article acknowledges that “between 2009 and 2010, the speaker did not increase top-level salaries for members or top-earning staffers, meaning staffers who already earned the maximum amount did not receive a raise over the past year.” This is a small consolation given the countless of citizens losing not only their jobs and livelihoods, but also their homes and basic necessities during that same period.

Ryan Ellis, tax policy director of Americans for Tax Reform, says that the sheer number of staffers who are earning the maximum amount of pay — or are creeping close — is troubling for taxpayers. No surprise there.

Difficulty getting into such a clique, overcoming the onerous federal job application and/or election processes is not for the faint of heart. I would argue, however, given the tough job market and competitive interview processes, we can commiserate.

The article further states: “Despite the significant income of some staffers, there are many within LegiStorm’s data who barely make enough to pay rent in Washington, one of the most expensive cities in the country.” Why the disparity?

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that in many cases, government jobs actually pay better than equivalent private-sector work. With it come long-term stable benefits as well.

Ideally, serving one’s country, creating new and vital programs and responding to the needs of its citizens, “fair” compensation is just. “Most of the staffers at the top salary level serve … [in] positions that have often had direct input on the formation of major legislation, such as health care. Many of those staffers also have law degrees. Why do I not take comfort in this?

This brings to mind the Goldie Hawn role in the movie Protocol – where her character Sunny cuts the senate inquiry proceedings short by admitting that she was responsible for what happened, by not taking any interest in the political affairs of her country. But she also reminds them that the leaders of the country have a responsibility towards the people of that country, and that their decisions ultimately affect people’s lives. So if she pays no attention, and does not vote or care, then she has no right to complain about what happens. In concluding, she warns the political powers in the room, that from now on, she will be watching all of them “like a hawk”.

Like Sunny, it is incumbent upon us, as citizens, to understand not only the political process but know who it is that is representing us, and how much they are being compensated for such a responsibility. The fact that such representatives are creating and advancing important and vital legislation, that they have made an admirable and dedicated commitment and ought to be compensated for it, is not in dispute.  However, it is just as important to question the process and the means by which they are doing it. We have recently questioned and required those in the private sector to be regulated and held accountable.  So too must we ask the same of those who have been given the privilege of representing our country and us.