Ready for a #SundaySoapbox?
Tonight I'd like to discuss "career politicians", and how we should maybe rethink that term.
It gets treated like a bad phrase. We're doing it wrong.
I *want* people in politics to see legislation as a career. Let's discuss.
We strive for proficiency, keep up on continuing education and try to do a good job...even when no one else is looking, because it is satisfying to be competent and well-respected at your career.
#SundaySoapbox #mepolitics
For Congress? No.
But whyyyyyyy? Won't it get out the crummy reps? No. It will get us *more* crummy reps that are crummier.
Huh? Let me explain.
#SundaySoapbox #mepolitics
If you start too young? Not enough life experience.
If you start too old? Might be incredibly detached from current events and technologies.
(see: most of the hearings on CSPAN involving *any* sort of technology)
#SundaySoapbox
In case you are wondering...I've just turned 42 last week, right in the zone of perfect for first term.
BUT there is a problem with asking people in their 40s to ding dong ditch their careers for 8 years.
#SundaySoapbox #mepolitics
Who would that leave us with?
#mepolitics #SundaySoapbox
#SundaySoapbox #mepolitics
We should pay a fair wage for a well-done job, and provide performance reviews every 2-6 years for Congress.
#SundaySoapbox #mepolitics
After all, they are interviewing to make that job their career, right?
Why is it ok to be a career for them but not who they want to replace?
#SundaySoapbox #mepolitics
Make them demonstrate the skills required for the job.
Wonder what nonsense you are being sold when "career politician" is bad.
#SundaySoapbox #mepolitics
The salary meets my needs, I can perform the duties of the job, and I plan to continue to walk the talk in supporting communities by #MaineRaising.
#SundaySoapbox #mepolitics
I'm happy to accept being a career politician (though I prefer legislator) with a 2 year performance review.
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#SundaySoapbox #mepolitics