[Azred]

I know what you mean, Attalus. There were many times that I couldn't tell the philosophical difference between Jesse Jackson and Jesse Helms.... [img]tongue.gif[/img]

And now, a word on politician salaries. According to current Federal law, I could run for the Senate to represent Texas. Unfortunately, I could not afford to do so. Even if I joined a political party and got lots of financial backing for my campaign, once I got into office I'd have to quit my job. This I could not do, financially.
Politician salaries need to be set at a level such that any normal person desiring to run for office could do so and not face financial ruin. As it is, only the wealthy can afford to run for office, so its no wonder people ask why only rich people try to get into office.

If you want to see real campaign finance reform, then have every person who files a tax return mark that little box donating $1 to the political party of their choice. That money can then help fund elections for people who otherwise could not afford it, which will make it possible for more people to run for office. *sigh* That is the one change I would make to the political system....