I would like to propose instituting merit pay for this Congress.

[ulysses]

They only have one test to pass - their ability to end the American occupation of Iraq quickly.

Not fair, you say? We don't have the votes, you say? Funny, when I've pointed out to school administrators that I can't bring a roomful of sixth graders who read at a primary level up to grade level in one year, I'm told that we can't make excuses any more. We have to have results. When I tell people that my kids are impoverished and come to school without the tools with which many suburban kids enter kindergarten, I'm told I had better find more effective ways in which to engage them so that they may become proficient.

So, tough shit. We're tired of excuses. Age-old Sunni/Shiite conflicts cannot, must not be allowed to hinder the process of peace in Iraq, or we dock your pay. Seems fair to me. How about it?

[burythehatchet]

1. Me too, cuz then they'll owe me money.

[ulysses]

2. no doubt. bear in mind

that a year from now we'll raise the bar a little higher - out of Iraq quickly *and* renegotiate NAFTA and CAFTA to include serious labor and environmental protections, or we dock their pay.

[burythehatchet]

3. Hey, in 2010 we could be the two senators from Georgia

:rofl:

[ulysses]

6. that, my friend,

is the best idea I've heard in years. :toast: :rofl:

[LWolf]

4. That idea has merit!

:rofl:

:thumbsup:

[ulysses]

8. doesn't that work? I mean really.

If we get merit pay, I say *all* public servants get merit pay.

Tag office clerks: How many happy customers did you serve this month? Two-week suspension of pay if anyone to whom you give a license drives drunk.

Firefighters: 10% pay dock for every minute after two that you're late to a fire. Distance from the firehouse to the fire is *not* taken into account.

Road maintenance crews: $50 per pothole.

[LWolf]

9. A pay deduction every time

a crime is committed, because the officer on duty didn't prevent it.

How about a large fine every time Congress "recesses" without a budget, or without finishing the business at hand?

[ulysses]

10. scale the deductions depending on the crime.

Vandalism could be worth $20. Rape and murder could be worth a month's pay. Besides, everyone knows that all cops do is eat donuts. ;-)

As for the congresscritters, apply the same code of ethics under which we work. The Senate floor would be a barren place indeed in no time.

[LaurenG]

5. Ooo yes they can start at minimum wage and then after the probationary period

we can "reassess".

[ulysses]

11. excellent idea.

I'll ready the probes for the "reassessment". :D

[LaurenG]

12. Lol

:rofl:

[liberal N proud]

7. Exactly

[ulysses]

13. because it's an excellent idea

:kick: