STUCK

It appears that, at least for now, that things are stuck in terms of the economic stimulus package. This speech by John McCain made it feel like it was June 2008 rather than January 2009 (see above). I guess when it comes down to it, the people who voted for Obama want change, but the GOP senators - not so much. Actually, what incentive is there really for a US Senator to embrace Obama's stimulus package? Okay - our economy is down the toilet, people are losing jobs at a mortifying rate, and more and more Americans can't afford things like food and healthcare. How many senators are personally experiencing these same issues? I would say, probably - none.

There are 25 US Senators who have had their senate seats for at least 34 years. Where else can you find that kind of job stability now? The average Senate salary is $169,300.00. Sure, it is not as much as some of those CEOs we have heard about recently, but since the median US household income was $50,233.00 in 2007, it is nothing to sneeze at. Consider vacations, healthcare, and various other perks - and no wonder it is the kind of group whose members don't want to leave.

I have been thinking. If things seem this "stuck" with Obama, can you imagine if Hillary Clinton had actually become president. Talk about stuck. Think of the Senate. There is nothing a bunch of old guys want less than a woman telling them how to spend their money.